--RHP Livan Hernandez lasted only 2 2/3 innings in the Twins' 10-0 loss to Texas on Sunday, his shortest outing of the season, but Hernandez was bothered more by the end of another streak. It was the first time in his six starts that the Twins lost. "I try to keep the team close and give us a chance. It just didn't work out. Bad day," Hernandez said after allowing seven runs and adding a run and a half to his ERA, now 5.05.
--RHP Bobby Korecky, called up from Class AAA Rochester on Friday, temporarily gives the Twins an eight-man relief staff. Considering the bullpen worked 21 innings in Minnesota's last four games and the starters just 13 2/3, RHP Pat Neshek said the extra help is welcome. "I don't remember ever having eight guys in the pen, so that's going to be nice," Neshek said. "I think we're going to be fine. (Minnesota's coaching staff) is careful about giving us rest. They keep pretty close track." --2B Brendan Harris collected six hits in Minnesota's series in Texas to raise his batting average above .300 again, and said the end to his short slump earlier in the week was no coincidence. "I've been battling a flu bug again -- second time in three weeks," said Harris, batting .309 after going 2-for-2 on Sunday. "I've got my strength back the last couple of days, and it makes a big difference. I'm having better at-bats."
--RF Michael Cuddyer had a hit in each of his first three games back from a hand injury, including a three-run home run Saturday. After three weeks off while his dislocated right index finger healed, he said it was a relief to hit right away. "To be able to contribute rather than just being a cheerleader, it was fun. And we needed a win," Cuddyer said. "(The home run) felt good, especially since I didn't hit one in spring training."
--INF Matt Tolbert has a habit of taking practice swings wherever he happens to be standing -- dugout, showers, airports, hotel lobbies. "If he could look into your eyes and see his reflection," manager Rono Gardenhire joked about the rookie, "he would take a swing to see if it's OK."
BY THE NUMBERS: 12 -- Consecutive starts allowing three or fewer runs by RHP Scott Baker, a streak broken when Texas scored five runs against Baker on April 26.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I don't know how you explain it. I have no idea. And I really don't even want to think about how. I just like the fact that the ball seems to find holes when I face him." -- DH Craig Monroe, who collected three hits off Oakland RHP Joe Blanton on April 22, giving him a .714 career average (10-for-14) against Blanton.
