Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Twins face red-hot Felix Hernandez

Center fielder Torii Hunter is out of the lineup after bruising his left shoulder attempting to make a diving catch during Tuesday's game. Hunter said he woke up feeling sore but thought he might feel good enough to play tonight, if necessary.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Hunter would be available to pinch hit.

Jesse Crain (shoulder) is available for tonight's game. He was also available last night but did not pitch. Crain hasn't pitched since Tuesday, April 10 against the Yankees.

Nick Punto is getting another day to rest his sprained ankle. Gardenhire said Punto came to the park today sore from all the exercises he's been doing to speed his recovery.

Finally, apologies for my lack of blogging lately. Look for the blog to be regularly updated from now on.

With that, lineups ...

Minnesota
Luis Castillo 2B
Jason Tyner CF
Joe Mauer DH
Michael Cuddyer RF
Justin Morneau 1B
Mike Redmond C
Jason Kubel LF
Luis Rodriguez 3B
Jason Bartlett SS
Carlos Silva P

Seattle
Ichiro Suzuki CF
Adrian Beltre 3B
Jose Vidro DH
Raul Ibanez LF
Richie Sexson 1B
Jose Guillen RF
Kenji Johjima C
Yuniesky Betancourt SS
Jose Lopez 2B
Felix Hernandez P