ARLINGTON, TEXAS — The digital temperature gauge here at Rangers Ballpark says it’s 93 degrees, yet the locals keep saying how the Twins really caught a break on the weather.

Everything’s relative, I guess. Heard it was 108 on the Rangers’ last homestand.

Alexi Casilla is back in the No. 2 spot tonight, as the Twins return from the All-Star break to play the Rangers.

Brendan Harris is at shortstop, but Manager Ron Gardenhire said he intends to keep Nick Punto in the mix, rotating him in with Harris and Casilla.

Kevin Mulvey will be in the bullpen, available for long relief. His father and several friends have made there way to Texas, anticipating his major league debut.

You can also follow me on Twitter @JoeCStarTribune.

Update: Gardenhire told Casilla, “I hope this is the last day that I have to say, ‘Welcome back. … Make it the last time. Have some fun.’

“He just said OK,” Gardenhire added. “I think he agrees.”

(*) Gardenhire indicated Mulvey’s presence will help the Twins move Bobby Keppel into more of a middle role.

(*) Kevin Slowey (strained right wrist) played catch at 90 feet today and it went well. His next step is another session of catch on Saturday.

TWINS (45-44)

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

Starting pitcher: LH Glen Perkins

RANGERS (48-39)

1. Ian Kinsler, 2B
2. Michael Young, 3B
3. Josh Hamilton, CF
4. Andruw Jones, DH
5. Hank Blalock, 1B
6. Marlon Byrd, LF
7. Nelson Cruz, RF
8. Taylor Teagarden, C
9. Elvis Andrus, SS

Starting pitcher: RH Vicente Padilla (7-4, 4.53 ERA)

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. First pitch: 7:05. TV: FSN.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 17th, 2009 at 4:45 pm and is filed under Twins thoughts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.