Indians vs. Twins

Summary:

The Twins just completed a seven-game homestand at 1-6. Jim Thome comes to Cleveland two homers shy of 600 homers. The Twins are hitting .272 (82-for-301) against the Indians, led by Joe Mauer at .600 (9-for-15). Pavano and Duensing are each 1-0 against the Tribe. Reliever Matt Capps is 2-0 with two saves.

Twins Medical Watch:

• 1B Justin Morneau (strained left wrist, herniated disk in neck) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 10 because of the wrist problem. He had surgery June 29 to fix the neck problem. He was cleared to resume baseball activities in mid-July, but he missed a July 26 workout because of a migraine. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Rochester on Aug. 5, and he will be activated Aug. 12.

• 2B Alexi Casilla (strained right hamstring) went on the 15-day disabled list July 28. He will be activated Aug. 12.

• RHP Scott Baker (flexor strain in right arm) went on the 15-day disabled list Aug. 9.

Twins News/Notes:

• 1B Justin Morneau is set to be activated from the disabled list for tonight’s game. He hasn’t played since June 9 because of neck, arm and hand injuries.  The Twins will have to option a player back to Class AAA Rochester to make room on the active roster, mostly likely OF Ben Revere or OF Jason Repko, although they also could be trying to lose a player via waivers.

• RHP Nick Blackburn snapped three-game skid with 6 2/3 solid innings in Wednesday’s 5-2 victory over Boston, surrendering one unearned run on six hits. In his previous four starts, Blackburn was 0-3 with an 8.35 ERA and gave up 32 hits in 18 1/3 innings.

• CF Ben Revere leads major league rookies with 19 stolen bases.

• RHP Carl Pavano (88) and RHP Nick Blackburn (86) have surrendered more runs than any pitchers in the American League. Houston Astros LHP J.A. Happ leads baseball with 92.

• Former Twins all-star Gary Gaetti on Thursday was named manager of the Sugarland Skeeters, and independent minor league team that will begin play next season in the Atlantic League.

Pitching Matchups:

RHP Justin Masterson (9-7, 2.71 ERA) vs. RHP Carl Pavano (6-9, 4.71) tonight at 7:05

RHP Josh Tomlin (11-5, 4.08) vs. LHP Brian Duensing (8-10, 4.56) Saturday at 7:05 p.m.

*undecided vs. RHP Kevin Slowey (0-0, 4.91) Sunday at 1:05 p.m.

*Probably David Huff

Team Thome comes to town this weekend looking for HR #600