By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS — Target Field held up in the rain during Wednesday afternoon’s contest but while it was overcast and rainy this morning, the sky is clearing up just before game time so it should be a nice day for baseball.

Today is Jackie Robinson Day and baseball is celebrating the 63rd anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier in the sport. Throughout baseball, players will wear No. 42 in remembrance of Robinson and for guys like Denard Span and Orlando Hudson it’s indeed a special day.

As for Twins news this morning, Brian Duensing is considered to be a game-time decision because he has the stomach flu. Pat Neshek also has a strained flexor tendon in the middle finger of his right hand. Neshek was not going to throw today after throwing close to 40 pitches on Wednesday but the club will have to wait and see how his finger reacts in the coming days.

Otherwise, Jim Thome is in the starting lineup for the first time at Target Field. He’ll DH while Jason Kubel shifts to left field. Ron Mahay was also in the clubhouse this morning and the left-hander will be available for the game.

Red Sox (4-4)
Marco Scutaro, SS
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Victor Martinez, C
Kevin
Youkilis, 1B
Adrian Beltre, 3B
Mike Lowell, DH
J.D. Drew, RF
Bill Hall, CF
Jeremy Hermida, LF
Pitching: RHP Tim Wakefield

Twins

(6-3)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando
Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Justin Morneau, 1B
Michael Cuddyer,
RF
Jim Thome, DH
Jason Kubel, LF
J.J. Hardy, SS
Nick
Punto,
3B
Pitching: LHP Francisco Liriano

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