Doug Fister
v
Brian Duensing

FSN talking about the internal debate about whether Duensing should start or relieve. Bert then talks about how his last three starts are good evidence he should start. Yes, clearly just those three starts matter. I really need to avoid tuning in until the last possible minute.

Shields
v
Diamond

Hellickson
v
De Vries

Assorted notes:

• The Twins are 0.01 runs/game above league average on offense.
• The Twins are 0.001 runs/game behind Cleveland for pitching. They have already given up five fewer runs than Cleveland, but played one less game. If they give up one less run than the Indians today, they will no longer be last in the league. It will be awhile until they can think about trying for 12th.
• The Twins pitching trail the league in strikeouts, at 650 so far. They have 90 fewer than the next worse.
• The Rays pitching lead the league in strikeouts, at 935.
• The Twins offense is second best at avoiding the strikeout, with 712.
• The Rays offense is third-worst at striking out, with 893.

Duensing
v
Doubront

From mlb.com:

Duensing had less than 24 hours notice of his last start vs. Cleveland on July 29 because of the Francisco Liriano trade a day earlier. But he responded with his best start of the year, holding the Indians to one run on five hits over a six innings.

Maybe he should be the surprise starter instead of a spot starter.

Liriano
v
Floyd

Bad news guys, (a) Jeremy is back. The good news is that he's not scheduled to start against the Twins during this series. Unfortunately, Blackburn is also back and scheduled to start.

Nick Blackburn
v
Luke Hochever

Blackburn started for Rochester four times, pitched 21 innings, and have up eight runs (six earned). He also struck out seven, walked five, and gave up 20 hits. Proving he had a lot nothing else to learn, the Twins decided to call him up.

Tommy Hunter
v
Francisco Liriano