Twins manager Ron Gardenhire shuffled his lineup as expected, starting Carlos Gomez in center field with Denard Span in right and Jason Kubel as the DH.

Gardenhire joked in his press conference that Gomez “irritates people. Sometimes me.” He was teasing, but the Twins are hoping that Gomez can help add a little speed to their lineup. Gardenhire said he also thought it would help not to have Kubel in the outfield in case of rain tonight. So the skipper will have his better defensive outfield out there tonight.

Due to the changes, Jose Morales will not be in the starting lineup. While Morales looked a little overwhelmed during his first two at-bats in the tie-breaker game at the Metrodome on Tuesday, Gardenhire said that he’s not afraid to use Morales as a pinch-hitter tonight.

Jesse Crain reported to Gardenhire that his sore groin felt good today. But the club won’t really know if he’s available until he plays catch during batting practice.

Twins (0-1)
Denard Span, RF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, DH
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Delmon Young, LF
Carlos Gomez, CF
Matt Tolbert, 3B
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: RHP Nick Blackburn (11-11, 4.03)

Yankees (1-0)
Derek Jeter, SS

Johnny Damon, LF

Mark Teixeira, 1B

Alex Rodriguez, 3B

Hideki Matsui, DH

Nick Swisher, RF

Robinson Cano, 2B

Melky Cabrera, CF
Jose Molina, C

Pitching: RHP A.J. Burnett (13-9, 4.04)

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