SEATTLE — Michael Cuddyer had an impressive early batting practice, testing his strained right index finger, but will have to wait at least one day before returning to the Twins’ starting lineup.

It could be because Cuddyer is batting .111 (2-for-18 with seven Ks) in his career against Mariners starter Felix Hernandez. Details to come.

This is the third time the Twins have faced King Felix this season. He went 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in the previous two, both at the Metrodome.

Obviously, this is a huge start for Francisco Liriano. He is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in two starts against Seattle this year, both at home, and 1-4 with a 7.80 ERA in six road starts.

Update: The Twins are just giving Cuddyer an extra day here. He felt good in early BP and will take regular BP here in a moment, but he wants to see how much swelling comes back.

He said it affects him most when he throws, actually.

Beginning Saturday, the Twins will face five consecutive LHPs — Jarrod Washburn and Erik Bedard to close this series, then Josh Outman, Brett Anderson and Dallas Braden in Oakland. The Twins will be glad to have Cuddyer’s righthanded bat for those games.

(*) Manager Ron Gardenhire said Glen Perkins had no problems with his elbow in Thursday’s rehab start for Class A Fort Myers. Perkins allowed five runs (three earned) on six hits, including two home runs. He struck out five.

The reports Perkins threw a lot of fastballs. “He didn’t start mixing it up until they started hitting the ball out of the ballpark,” Gardenhire said.

Gardenhire added, “He’ll make one more [rehab] start, and we’ll see where we’re at.”

(*) Finally, don’t miss the guest post on La Velle’s blog from Justin Morneau.

Update: If you’re wondering why pitching coach Rick Anderson, not Gardenhire, made the seventh-inning pitching change from Jesse Crain to Jose Mijares, it’s because Gardenhire injured a hamstring during batting practice.

TWINS (27-28)

1. Denard Span, LF
2. Joe Mauer, C
3. Justin Morneau, 1B
4. Jason Kubel, RF
5. Joe Crede, 3B
6. Brendan Harris, SS
7. Brian Buscher, DH
8. Carlos Gomez, CF
9. Alexi Casilla, 2B

Starting pitcher: LH Francisco Liriano (2-7. 6.60 ERA)

MARINERS (26-28)

1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Russell Branyan, 1B
3. Adrian Beltre, 3B
4. Mike Sweeney, DH
5. Jose Lopez, 2B
6. Wladimir Balentien, LF
7. Rob Johnson, C
8. Ronny Cedeno, SS
9. Franklin Gutierrez, CF

Starting pitcher: RH Felix Hernandez (5-3, 3.41 ERA)

Safeco Field. First pitch: 9:10 p.m. (Central)

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