May 9
3B Danny Valencia was in the Twins lineup on Tuesday night despite beginning the month of May in an 0-for-17 slump. Valencia hit sixth on Tuesday night, going 0-for-4. But Gardenhire said Valencia was healthy after missing a game in Los Angeles because of a sore back, and added he'd keep playing the 27-year-old. "I've given Danny a couple days," Gardenhire said. "He's good to go. Danny's ready to play. I don't think he needs a day to relax. I know he's pressing a little bit, trying to get hits like everybody else in our lineup. But a good two-hit day would probably make him feel pretty good about himself."
May 9
Manager Ron Gardenhire gave Valencia a vote of confidence as the starting third baseman despite a 0-for-21 slump that's seen his batting average fall to .198, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Valencia went 0-for-4 in Tuesday's loss to the Angels
Recommendation: With Jamey Carroll moving to a utility role with Brian Dozier promoted from Triple-A there was some thought that Carroll could get starts at third base or take over the job. However, that doesn't appear to be the plan in the near term.
May 9
The struggling Minnesota Twins are shaking things up, moving Francisco Liriano to the bullpen and optioning Valencia to Triple-A Rochester.
Advice: Valencia is hitting .190 with one homer and 11 RBIs.
