By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com

After a few days off, Joe Mauer returns to the Twins lineup today. Mauer had been battling a sore right shoulder after taking a foul tip off it in Thursday’s game against the Orioles. Mauer said that his shoulder was feeling better in recent days but the Twins didn’t want to push it and didn’t want him to make any extra long roadtrips like Monday’s trek across the state to Jupiter, Fla..

Justin Morneau is being given another day off as is Jim Thome. Manager Ron Gardenhire said Sunday that both players were dealing with some “general soreness” after taking a long bus trip to Clearwater. Gardenhire really does seem intent on not pushing anything this spring and giving his players plenty of rest.

I spoke with Nick Blackburn this morning who gave me an update on his knee. He said it felt better while playing catch today and doesn’t expect it to be much of an issue. I’ll have an updated story on the site a little later.

Orioles (4-8)
Robert Andino, SS

Justin Turner, 2B

Nolan Reimold, DH
Luke Scott, LF

Lou Montanez, RF
Scott Moore, 1B

Josh Bell, 3B

Chad Moeller, C
Jeff Salazar, CF

Pitching: RHP David Hernandez

Others scheduled to pitch: Koji Uehara, Dennis Sarfate

Twins (5-6)

Ben Revere, CF

Orlando Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Jason Kubel, DH

Brendan Harris, SS
Danny Valencia, 3B
Jacque Jones, LF
Juan Portes, RF
Pitching: RHP Scott Baker

Others scheduled to pitch: Mike Maroth, Clay Condrey, Jesse Crain, Pat Neshek, Jose Mijares

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