By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS — Joe Mauer is getting only his second day off of the season as the Twins go for the sweep of the Indians on Thursday afternoon.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said that he spoke with Mauer this morning and the catcher was feeling a little sore. So he decided it was a good time to give Mauer a rest. Drew Butera will make his second Major League start behind the plate.

J.J. Hardy is also getting a rest for the first time. Hardy said he could play despite having a little soreness in his knee, but Gardenhire felt it was an opportunity to give Alexi Casilla his first start of the season. Jim Thome is also in at DH, while Jason Kubel shifts to left field.

Pat Neshek threw in the bullpen and his sore right middle finger felt great. He’ll be available in an emergency today but he’ll truly be ready out of the ‘pen tomorrow.

Indians
(6-8)
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Grady Sizemore, CF
Shin-Soo Choo, RF
Travis Hafner, DH
Matt LaPorta, LF
Russell Branyon, 1B
Andy Marte, 3B
Luis Valbuena, 2B
Lou Marson, C
Pitching: RHP Mitch Talbot (1-1, 3.21 ERA)

Twins

(11-4)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando
Hudson, 2B
Jason Kubel, LF
Justin Morneau, 1B
Michael Cuddyer,
RF
Jim Thome, DH
Brendan Harris, 3B
Drew Butera, C
Alexi Casilla, SS
Pitching: RHP Scott Baker (2-1, 3.38 ERA)

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