By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS — The Twins will try to see if they can slow down the surging Indians, who have now won five straight contests following last night’s 10-4 victory in the series opener.

Kevin Slowey will be making the start tonight and it’s possible that he’s pitching for a spot in the rotation. The Twins have stretched out Brian Duensing in preparation for a possible move into a starting role and right now it just seems to be which spot he’ll take. For the club’s upcoming series against the Orioles, two of the rotation spots are currently listed as TBA — the two spots that would belong to Nick Blackburn and Slowey.

So we’ll see what happens after tonight.

As for news, right-hander Anthony Slama’s flight was scheduled to arrive in the Twin Cities sometime this afternoon but he had not arrived at the ballpark by the time batting practice started. He’s expected to be here by game time and he’ll wear No. 39 for the Twins.

Jon Rauch’s ankle is feeling better after he was struck by a line drive. He told manager Ron Gardenhire that he’s available to pitch but Gardenhire said the club will likely stay away from the reliever so it’s unclear who might close if there is a save situation.

Indians (38-54)
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Jayson Nix, LF
Carlos Santana, C
Travis
Hafner, DH
Jhonny Peralta, 3B
Matt LaPorta, 1B
Shelley Duncan, RF
Trevor Crowe, CF
Jason Donald, 2B

Pitching: RHP Justin Masterson (3-8, 5.31 ERA)

Twins

(49-44)

Denard Span, CF

Orlando Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Jim Thome,
DH
Delmon Young, LF

J.J. Hardy, SS
Nick Punto, 3B

Pitching: RHP Kevin Slowey (8-5, 4.95 ERA)

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