One thing we'll be watching out for when we get to Target Field today is official word that righthader Kevin Slowey has been placed on the 15-day DL
Update: It is now official. Slowey is on the DL with a right shoulder strain, the Twins just announced in a release.
A Rochester Red Wings twitter post late last night reported that righthander Alex Burnett was on his way to the Twin Cities to replace Slowey on the roster. I checked with a source, who said he heard the same thing.
There was nothing from the Twins about this last night.. It's not that surprising. Many times, clubs will notify a minor leaguer that he's headed to the majors but the club doesn't make the announcement until the player has arrived.
I expect to see Burnett in the clubhouse when it opens at 2:30 p.m. today.
Burnett debuted last season and showed early promise before faltering late and finishing with a 5.29 ERA in 41 games. Still, the Twins think Burnett will develop into a reliable reliever.
In a pre-game ceremony, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire will be given his AL Manager of the Year Award.
Once the game starts, we'll see if the Twins can get off to a fast start against tough Oakland lefty Gio Gonzalez. The Twins have been outscored 10-0 in the first inning so far this season.
UPDATE: Slowey's diagnosis has been changed to bursitis. The Twins apologize for the confusion.
Oakland (2-5)
1. Coco Crisp, CF
2. Daric Barton, 1B
3. David DeJesus, RF
4. Josh Willingham, LF
5. Hideki Matsui, DH
6. Kurt Suzuki, C
7. Mark Ellis, 2B
8. Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B
9. Cliff Pennington, SS
Pitching: Gio Gonzalez, LHP, 1-0, 1.29
Twins (3-4)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Joe Mauer, C
3. Justin Morneau, 1B
4. Delmon Young, LF
5. Michael Cuddyer, RF
6. Jason Kubel, DH
7. Danny Valencia, 3B
8. Luke Hughes, 2B
9. Alexi Casilla, SS
Pitching: Nick Blackburn
