--RHP Kevin Slowey, 3-0 this season, will start against the Royals on Friday on five days of rest, usually a significant advantage to the control artist. Slowey is 11-11 during his career with four or six days of rest, but he is 8-1 with a 1.98 ERA -- plus 53 strikeouts and only four walks -- when pitching after resting five days.

--C Jose Morales has batted .349 in 17 games this season and has shown steady improvement behind the plate, yet he is in danger of losing his roster spot Friday. The rookie became the Twins' primary catcher when veteran C Mike Redmond suffered groin and shoulder injuries, but it's possible he could be demoted to Class AAA Rochester upon Joe Mauer's return to the active roster. The Twins' other option is to place Redmond on the disabled list and allow Morales to back up Mauer, but Redmond said he expected to be fully recovered by Friday.

--C Mike Redmond (groin and shoulder injuries) said he expects to be fully recovered by Friday.

--OF/DH Jason Kubel has flourished in the cleanup role this season, batting .306 with four homers and 15 RBIs, but he figures to be shifted down in the lineup, probably to No. 6, beginning Friday. Joe Mauer's return to his No. 3 spot will move 1B Justin Morneau back into his traditional cleanup spot. Since both of those hitters are left-handed, manager Ron Gardenhire has said he favors keeping a right-handed hitter -- most likely 3B Joe Crede or RF Michael Cuddyer -- at No. 5, bumping Kubel down two spots.

MEDICAL WATCH:

C Mike Redmond (sore right shoulder) didn't play April 26-29. He expects to be ready for action May 1.

C Joe Mauer (inflamed sacroiliac joint in his lower back) went on the 15-day disabled list April 2. He began a rehab assignment with Class A Fort Myers on April 24, and he will be activated May 1.

RHP Jesse Crain (right shoulder inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 18. He will throw bullpen sessions May 1 and 3.

RHP Boof Bonser (torn right labrum and rotator cuff surgery in February 2009) went on the 15-day disabled list April 2. He is out for the season.

RHP Pat Neshek (right elbow surgery) went on the 60-day disabled list Feb. 21. He will remain in Florida all summer and targets a return by next spring.

ROTATION:

LHP Francisco Liriano

RHP Nick Blackburn

RHP Kevin Slowey

LHP Glen Perkins

RHP Scott Baker

BULLPEN:

RHP Joe Nathan (closer)

RHP Matt Guerrier

LHP Craig Breslow

RHP Luis Ayala

RHP R.A. Dickey

RHP Juan Morillo

LHP Jose Mijares

CATCHERS:

Mike Redmond

Jose Morales

INFIELDERS:

1B Justin Morneau

2B Alexi Casilla

SS Nick Punto

3B Joe Crede

INF Brian Buscher

INF Brendan Harris

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Delmon Young

CF Denard Span

RF Michael Cuddyer

DH Jason Kubel

OF Carlos Gomez