By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS — It’s the pitching matchup that Twins fans have been waiting all week to see: Liriano vs. Jimenez.

One Twins batter who won’t be in the lineup against Jimenez today is catcher Joe Mauer. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said that Mauer had gotten banged up by foul tips behind the plate in last night’s game (about 18 of them, he added) and over the entire homestand.

So Mauer will get the day off for the day game following the night game, but he will be available off the bench to pinch hit if needed.

Also, Gardenhire said there will be no roster move after the game. The team will head to Philadelphia with its roster as is, and they’ll evaluate Orlando Hudson during early batting practice on Friday. Hudson has been swinging left-handed but only off a tee in the cage and Gardenhire wants to see more before activating him.

Rockies (33-32)
Carlos Gonzalez, CF
Todd Helton, 1B
Troy Tulowitzki, SS
Ryan Spillborghs, LF
Miguel Olivo, C
Melvin Mora, 3B
Brad Hawpe, RF
Chris Iannetta, DH
Clint Barmes, 2B
Pitching: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (12-1, 1.16 ERA)

Twins

(38-27)
Denard Span, CF
Matt Tolbert, 2B
Justin Morneau, 1B
Jason Kubel, DH
Michael Cuddyer, RF
Delmon Young, LF
Danny Valencia, 3B
Nick
Punto, SS
Drew Butera, C
Pitching: LHP Francisco Liriano
(6-3, 2.90 ERA)

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