Major League Baseball spring training games have been going on for a couple of days. But for the first time this year, the Minnesota Twins will take the field on Thursday against their Fort Myers, Fla., counterparts.
The Boston Red Sox will be the opponent for the next three days of spring ball.
Thursday’s matchup features Nick Blackburn and Kevin Slowey on the mound for the Twins against Josh Beckett. Friday pits Carl Pavano against Jon Lester, and Saturday is Francisco Liriano against the newest Red Sox starter John Lackey.
According to La Velle E. Neal of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Twins regulars Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, J.J. Hardy and Orlando Hudson are among the players getting the opener off. But the lineup will feature Denard Span, Jason Kubel, Michael Cuddyer and the much-awaited return of Jacque Jones.
