By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS — Today is one of those days when I used to despise going into the Metrodome.

The sun is shining on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon in the Twin Cities with temperatures expected to hit the high 80s. You can’t help but to smile as you head into Target Field on a day like this and realize what you’ve been missing during day baseball games in recent years. And yes, I know I’ve been focused on a lot on the weather since the season started but I’m making up for the previous four years I’ve been on the beat when I missed out on the beautiful Minnesota summers.

All right, back to baseball. Justin Morneau is getting a DH day. Nothing of concern, he just asked manager Ron Gardenhire if the DH spot was open today and both felt it would be a good day to give him a break from playing the field.

Nick Punto’s ring finger has been a little sore when he’s swinging from the right side so Gardenhire started Brendan Harris at third base today against Rangers left-handed starter C.J. Wilson.

This isn’t the first time the Twins have faced Wilson, but the southpaw is in a new role now. The former closer moved into the rotation at the start of this year. He has been tough on lefties, who are batting just .102 against him this season, so it will be interesting to see how the Twins’ lefties fare against him. Joe Mauer and Morneau have combined to tally just three hits and one home run in 21 at-bats against Wilson, although all of those did come when he was in a relief role.
 
Rangers (26-22)
Elvis
Andrus, SS
Michael Young, 3B
Ian Kinsler, 2B
Vladimir
Guerrero, DH
Josh Hamilton, LF
David Murphy, RF
Justin Smoak,
1B
Max Ramirez, C
Julio Borbon, CF
Pitching: LHP C.J. Wilson (3-2, 3.07 ERA)

Twins

(28-20)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando
Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Justin Morneau, DH
Michael

Cuddyer, 1B
Jason Kubel, RF
Delmon Young, LF
J.J. Hardy, SS
Brendan Harris, 3B
Pitching: RHP Carl Pavano (4-5,
4.17 ERA)

A
reminder
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