Jason Kubel has been scratched after getting sick, and Joe Crede has returned after the birth of his son.

Updates to come.

Update: Kubel has head and chest congestion. He’s been coughing for a couple weeks. He went down to stretch with his teammates and first base coach Jerry White sent him up to the clubhouse to rest. Manager Ron Gardenhire said he’s not sure if Kubel will be available to pinch hit later.

Crede’s wife, Lisa, gave birth to their baby boy, Jace Taylor, on Friday morning. He was born five weeks early, but Crede said the little guy has made big progress with his lungs the past 24 hours. Joe and Lisa also have two young girls. She’s surrounded by family in Missouri.

Gardenhire mentioned how Justin Morneau is “a little beat up,” after being hit by two recent pitches. Morneau is the DH tonight, with Brian Buscher at first base.

Gardenhire said Morneau will eventually get a full day off.

“He’ll get one; it just probably won’t be at home,” Gardenhire said. “I think our fans like to see him play, and once in a while you can give a guy like that a day off on the road.”

Gardenhire also noted that he wants his speedier players to start trying to bunt for hits again. This was a strength for the Twins last year, but Carlos Gomez and Alexi Casilla have gotten away from it.

“They’re playing us in, and that can’t stop you,” Gardenhire said. “You’ve still gotta force them to make plays on you.”

Update: The umpiring crew alerted the pressbox that the video replay machine is not working tonight. So if there’s a borderline home run call, there will be no video appeals.

ROYALS (12-11)

1. Coco Crisp, CF
2. Willie Bloomquist, 2B
3. Billy Butler, 1B
4. Jose Guillen, RF
5. John Buck, DH
6. Alberto Callaspo, 3B
7. David DeJesus, LF
8. Miguel Olivo, C
9. Mike Aviles, SS

Starting pitcher: RH Brian Bannister (2-0, 0.69 ERA)

TWINS (12-11)

1. Denard Span, CF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, DH
5. Joe Crede, 3B
6. Michael Cuddyer, RF
7. Brian Buscher, 1B
8. Delmon Young, LF
9. Nick Punto, SS

Starting pitcher: LH Glen Perkins (1-2, 2.48)

Metrodome. First pitch: 6:10 p.m.

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