Twins first baseman Justin Morneau left tonight’s game after the fourth inning because of dizziness. The Twins removed him from the game as a precaution. 

Still waiting to hear if the Twins will sign first round pick Kyle Gibson. Indications are that this could go down to the wire. Sounds like the upper levels of Twins management/ownership have started to get involved. Joe C. is monitoring the situation, so I’m sure he’ll post updates when possible. 

Rangers starter Tommy Hunter is coming off of his best outing of the year when he tossed 7.2 shutout innings at Cleveland. Hunter has won five of his last six decisions and has not given up more than four earned runs in nine starts this season. 

Matt Guerrier, Anthony Swarzak, Jose Mijares, Jesse Crain, Bobby Keppel and Jeff Manship were among players who went out on the field for a brief run before the game. It was 99 degrees at the time.

Waiting to hear who will take the ball for the Twins on Thursday. Brian Duensing is a possibility but I wouldn’t mind watching Manship on the mound. 

Update: Brian Duensing has been named the starter for Thursday’s game against the Rangers. Anthony Swarzak will move to the bullpen, although he won’t be available today.

O-Cab felt a little beat up today so he gets a day off. Brendan Harris bats second and starts at short. Nick Punto is in at second.

Joe Nathan said he right knee felt fine after taking a line drive off of it on Sunday.

Lineups

Twins (56-61)

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

Pitching: Francisco Liriano. LHP

Rangers (66-50)

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

Pitching: Tommy Hunter, RHP

This entry was posted on Monday, August 17th, 2009 at 3:35 pm and is filed under Game threads. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.