DETROIT — We’ll start with Manager Ron Gardenhire’s response to Hunter Wendelstedt’s invitation to umpiring school.

“If he’ll agree to take the classes again, I’ll go with him,” Gardenhire said.

Gardenhire said he hasn’t heard from the commissioner’s office yet, regarding a fine or suspension, but added that he hasn’t been answering his phone.

(*) It rained here most of the day, and batting practice was cancelled. But the rain has stopped, and they are preparing the field for a 6:05 (Central) start.

(*) With tonight’s lineup, Gardenhire mentioned Brendan Harris’ numbers against Justin Verlander (2-for-13) and said he went with Nick Punto’s defense at third base, with sinkerballer Carl Pavano on the mound.

“Harry’s numbers are about as bad as everybody else’s, but we’ll try the speed thing,” Gardenhire said. “Against this guy, you better be able to do something. The numbers aren’t going to be great against this guy, but the plan of attack is, we’ve got a sinkerballer out there who gets ground balls. Catch the ball, and the big guys in the middle will do their thing.”

(*) Gardenhire didn’t have an update for the starting rotation, but acknowledged that Anthony Swarzak has joined Glen Perkins and Francisco Liriano on the bubble, with two spots for the three of them. Perkins is available in relief again tonight. Liriano is in Minnesota, tending to a family matter.

Then, there’s Brian Duensing. “You could probably go ahead and put his name in there, too,” Gardenhire said, adding that he was impressed with Friday’s outing, along with his five-inning start against the White Sox on July 29.

(*) The Twins announced that they’ve signed 15th-round draft pick Steven Liddle, an outfielder from Vanderbilt, and the nephew of Twins bench coach Steve Liddle. He will report to Elizabethton on Wednesday.

(*) Also, some sad news to pass along, as Cal Ermer, who managed the Twins from 1967-68, died Friday night after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Update: Carlos Gomez is out with a sore calf, but Gardenhire said he might be available late in the game.

TWINS (53-56)

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

TIGERS (58-50)

1. Curtis Granderson, CF
2. Placido Polanco, 2B
3. Clete Thomas, LF
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. Carlos Guillen, DH
6. Magglio Ordonez, RF
7. Brandon Inge, 3B
8. Gerald Laird, C
9. Adam Everett, SS

Starting pitcher: RH Justin Verlander (12-5, 3.29 ERA)

Comerica Park. First pitch: 6:05 p.m. (Central). TV: FSN

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