Justin Morneau has partial ownership of Yovani Gallardo, but is NOT in the lineup tonight. Will update when we know more. (Update: sore left forearm. Not considered serious, says Gardy.)
Heavers:
Liriano has sorta kinda turned it around in his last two starts. His career post-Tommy John has been all about one step forward, two steps backwards, so be appropriately cautious about his effectiveness this evening.
Per LaVelle, the absent Morneau and Joe Mauer are 9-for-17 against Gallardo. Is Joe in your Pick 6? WHY NOT, JERKS?
Lineups and notes after jump:
Yard-leavers (courtesy LEN3):
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Ben Revere, RF
3. Joe Mauer, 1B
4. Ryan Doumit, DH
5. Josh Willingham, LF
6. Trevor Plouffe, 3B
7. Brian Dozier, SS
8. Drew Butera, C
9. Jamey Carroll, 2B
TBA
Notes:
- The problem with Liriano needing Sweet Drew to mother him is that a Morneau-less lineup gives you an opportunity to plug GENE! (Chris Parmelee) in at first, with Mauer and Doumit splitting the catching/DH duties. Alas. Maybe he'll throw a 3-hitter and we'll all forget this ever happened.
- On his Friday 1500ESPN appearance, Gardy sounded pretty sure a position player will be sent down after tonight's game to make room for Liam Hendriks. I would bet an American dollar that it's Mastroianni.
Enjoy the game, everybody.