By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com

KANSAS
CITY — The Twins will be going for a series sweep against the Royals this afternoon at Kauffman Stadium. It’s the third straight series where the Twins have won the first two games, but so far this season they have yet to complete a sweep.

Jason Kubel is getting the day off, as Jim Thome is in at DH. After a long night behind the plate, Joe Mauer said he was good to go today so he’s playing. The Twins have a day off on Monday so that probably helps as well.

The Twins bullpen is a little taxed following Saturday night’s 12-inning affair. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said that Matt Guerrier is out for sure today and closer Jon Rauch is questionable. Relievers who are for sure available are Jesse Crain, Pat Neshek, Brian Duensing, Ron Mahay and Alex Burnett (the only one who didn’t pitch in the contest). Scott Baker will also wait to throw his bullpen session until during the game in case for some reason he might be needed.

Nick Punto’s MRI on his right groin muscle came back fine, Gardenhire said. But the Twins want to look more at his right hip in case that might be causing the problems.

And now, here are the lineups:

Twins

(13-5)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando
Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Justin Morneau, 1B
Michael Cuddyer,

RF
Jim Thome, DH
Delmon Young, LF
J.J. Hardy, SS
Brendan
Harris, 3B
Pitching: RHP Kevin Slowey (2-1, 2.45 ERA)

Royals
(6-11)
David DeJesus, RF
Scott Podsednik, LF
Billy

Butler, 1B
Jose Guillen, DH
Alberto Callaspo, 2B
Jason Kendall, C
Alex Gordon, 3B
Mitch Maier, CF
Yuniesky Betancourt, SS
Pitching:
RHP Brian Bannister (0-1, 4.58 ERA)

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