CLEVELAND — With the Tigers riding a five-game winning streak, the Twins are trying to keep from getting buried in the standings.

The Twins do have a chance to win their fifth consecutive series today, as they take on Cleveland in a rubber match.

Justin Morneau is getting a day at DH, with Michael Cuddyer at first base and Joe Mauer catching. The Twins will be facing Indians lefthander David Huff, who comes in with a 6.57 ERA.

This is a huge start for Nick Blackburn. He was 0-5 with an 8.22 ERA in eight starts before pitching seven innings in the Twins’ 4-1 victory over the White Sox on Monday.

Update: Francisco Liriano (left arm fatigue) had another good throwing session today and will next throw in a simulated game Tuesday in Toronto. It’s a tradition for the Twins to send first-base coach Jerry White up against their pitchers in simulated games, and Liriano said he’s looking forward to the showdown.

The Twins also hope Joe Crede (strained lower back) is feeling good enough to get some swings off Liriano on Tuesday. He’s been swinging and throwing but hasn’t been able to run.

Manager Ron Gardenhire said Morneau texted him on Saturday night, asking for a chance to DH today. Gardenhire said it takes him forever to send text messages, but he eventually got back to Morneau with a brief response: “OK, Cowboy.”

Update: The Twins announced that they will promote RHP Armando Gabino, in addition to 1B/OF Justin Huber, from Class AAA Rochester, after the Red Wings’ season ends on Monday.

Update: Morneau (0-for-16) and Michael Cuddyer (0-for-13) have combined to go hitless in their past 29 at-bats.

Update: Gardenhire said he and pitching coach Rick Anderson have looked ahead with their rotation and should be able to line up Carl Pavano, Scott Baker and Nick Blackburn to pitch against the Tigers, on Sept. 18-20 at the Metrodome.

Gardenhire also said catcher Jose Morales did a good job getting closer Joe Nathan to throw more fastballs in his 1-2-3 ninth inning Saturday. “A lot of our guys are getting too breaking ball oriented, and Nathan especially,” Gardenhire said. “I thought the ball came out really good [for Nathan on Saturday], with a good angle.”

TWINS (68-67)

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

Starting pitcher: RH Nick Blackburn (9-9, 4.16 ERA)

INDIANS (59-76)

1. Michael Brantley, CF
2. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
3. Shin Soo Choo, RF
4. Jhonny Peralta, 3B
5. Travis Hafner, DH
6. Matt LaPorta, LF
7. Luis Valbuena, 2B
8. Andy Marte, 1B
9. Chris Gimenez, C

Starting pitcher: LH David Huff (8-7, 6.57 ERA)

Progressive Field. First pitch: 12:05 p.m. (Central). TV: Ch. 29

This entry was posted on Sunday, September 6th, 2009 at 9:43 am 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.