Injuries certainly haven’t helped the Twins. Star catcher Joe Mauer has been on the disabled list since April 14 with bilateral leg weakness. It’s still unclear when Mauer will actually play a game for the Twins, but the team is ready to send him to extended spring training Tuesday. Playing in the first year of an eight-year deal paying him $23 million a season, Mauer is hitting .235 with four RBIs in 34 at-bats. Minnesota has the worst record in the majors at 12-27, its worst start since 1995, and five of its key players on the disabled list. It is 15 games below .500 for the first time since 2000 and 13-1/2 games behind first-place Cleveland in the American League Central. Apparently some frustration boiled over in the clubhouse following Monday’s 5-2 loss to Seattle.

Things aren’t going to get any easier tonight for Minnesota as it has to face reigning AL Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez (4-3, 3.36). He struggled with his control in 4-2 loss to Orioles last Wednesday, but he's always good vs. the Twins (2.69 ERA in 11 starts). The Twins start lefty Francisco Liriano (2-5, 7.07), he of the no-hitter a few weeks ago. But that’s been about the only highlight of his season. He allowed four runs and three hits over just three innings vs. Detroit last time out before leaving with flu-like symptoms.

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