Glen Perkins came into the ballpark on Thursday morning to see the trainers and then was sent to see team physician Dr. Vijay Eyunni to get checked for strep throat. Perkins has been battling a fever and a very sore throat.

With Perkins still ill, Nick Blackburn will get the start against the White Sox on Friday. Saturday’s start is still in question as it depends on Perkins’ health. If Perkins can’t go Saturday, the Twins will turn to either Brian Duensing, Bobby Keppel or R.A. Dickey to make the spot start.

Brendan Harris and Joe Crede are getting a rest for the series finale with the Yankees. Manager Ron Gardenhire said that Harris has been playing a lot of baseball lately and felt it time to give Harris’ legs a rest. For Crede, it’s just a day game after night game rest because Gardenhire doesn’t want to push it with his third baseman.

The rest days also give Matt Tolbert and Brian Buscher a chance to start for the Twins

Kevin Slowey (strained right wrist) will begin his throwing program on Friday. He’ll play catch from 60 feet and then move to 90 feet on Sat. Gardenhire said that Slowey will stay in the Twin Cities for the All-Star Break and will continue his throwing at the Metrodome. He’s expected to make a five-inning Minor League start before he returns from the DL. Slowey is eligible to return on July 19.

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Here are your lineups as the Twins try to prevent the season sweep by the Yankees.

Yankees
Derek Jeter, SS
Nick Swisher, RF
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Alex Rodriguez, DH
Jorge Posada, C
Robinson Cano, 2B
Melky Cabrera, LF
Cody Ransom, 3B
Brett Gardner, CF
Pitching: Alfredo Aceves, RHP

Twins
Denard Span, CF
Matt Tolbert, 2B
Joe Mauer, DH
Justin Morneau, 1B
Jason Kubel, LF
Michael Cuddyer, RF
Brian Buscher, 3B
Mike Redmond, C
Nick Punto, SS
Pitching: Francisco Liriano, LHP