Slowey has sore elbow; Perkins could start Wednesday in Chicago

CLEVELAND -- Kevin Slowey has soreness in the back of his right elbow and won't make his start Wednesday in Chicago. Manager Ron Gardenhire hinted that Glen Perkins will come up from Class AAA Rochester and get that start, since that is his regular day to pitch.

Slowey's next start will likely be next Sunday. He said he's confidence that his issue is tendinitis. It flared up after Thursday's start at Tampa Bay. He was going to throw a bullpen session today but cancelled it because of the soreness.

The Twins considered keeping Francisco Liriano and Carl Pavano on regular rest so they could pitch Wednesday and Thursday in Chicago, but both requested the extra day of rest. Gardenhire said Liriano is dealing with a little bit of "dead arm," which might explain why Liriano labored Friday night.

So the likely rotation when for the Chicago series will be: Scott Baker (Tuesday), Perkins (Wednesday) and Liriano (Thursday).

* The Twins need to make a roster move this morning, with Orlando Hudson set to come off the disabled list. The MRI exam on Alexi Casilla's left ankle looked good. The Twins think Casilla will be healthy in a couple days, so they are looking for someone else to clear from the roster, possibly a pitcher.

Update: The Twins optioned RHP Anthony Slama to Rochester to clear a spot for Hudson. This spares Trevor Plouffe, who will provide infield depth while Casilla heals.

* Joe Mauer returns to catcher for the first time since July 31. His right shoulder has been feeling better, and he's been on fire at the plate. Saturday's 4-for-5 effort left Mauer's average at .322, the highest it's been since May 30. Mauer has been gaining ground on AL batting leader Josh Hamilton, who is at .354, so a fourth batting title isn't out of the question.

* This is an important swing game for the Twins, who are 3-3 on the road trip. A series victory would put the Twins in a perfect frame of mind as they fly to Chicago, where they'll enjoy an off day Monday before starting their three-game showdown with the White Sox.

TWINS (62-49)

1. Jason Repko, CF
2. Orlando Hudson, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Delmon Young, LF
5. Jason Kubel, RF
6. Michael Cuddyer, 1B
7. Jim Thome, DH
8. Danny Valencia, 3B
9. J.J. Hardy, SS

Starting pitcher: LH Brian Duensing (4-1, 2.10 ERA)

INDIANS (47-64)

1. Michael Brantley, CF
2. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
3. Shin-Soo Choo, RF
4. Shelley Duncan, DH
5. Matt LaPorta, 1B
6. Andy Marte, 3B
7. Trevor Crowe, LF
8. Jason Donald, SS
9. Lou Marson, C

Starting pitcher: LH David Huff (2-10, 5.97 ERA)

Progressive Field. First pitch: 12:05 p.m (Central). TV: WFTC (Ch. 29). Twins Radio Network