Luke Hughes

The Twins needed to create a roster spot for starting pitcher Jason Marquis prior to Wednesday night's game and the spot was created when the Twins designated infielder Luke Hughes for assignment. The Twins have 10 days to trade, release him or pass him through waivers. He was batting just .200 with 2 RBIs in 4 games this season.

The Twins beat the Phillies in Fort Myers, Florida 11-7 Wednesday afternoon. Justin Morneau went 3-4 with a homerun with 2 runs scored and 3 RBIs, Luke Hughes went 2-4 with a homerun and 3 RBIs and Joe Mauer went 3-4 with 2 runs scored and 1 RBI for the Twins. Francisco Liriano threw 4 innings with 8 hits and 2 earned runs allowed to get the win.

The Twins lost 9-2 to St. Louis Sunday afternoon. Former Twin Kyle Lohse threw 6 innings with 2 earned runs allowed to get the win. Brian Duensing allowed 3 hits and 1 earned run in 1 inning to take the loss. Nick Blackburn threw 5 innings with 2 earned runs and Luke Hughes was 2-3 with 2 RBIs for the Twins.

The Twins defeated the Tigers 7-3 in Lakeland, Florida Wednesday afternoon. Luke Hughes was 2-3 with a 3-run homerun, Joe Benson had 2 hits, a homerun and 2 RBIs and Chris Parmalee was 2-5 with 2 runs scored and 1 RBI. Liam Hendriks threw 4 innings with 2 earned runs allowed to get the win for Minnesota.

The Twins downed Tampa Bay 2-1 in 10 innings Monday afternoon in Florida. Luke Hughes hit a solo homerun in the 10th inning for the game-winner. Hughes scored the other run for the Twins earlier in the game on a throwing error from Kyle Farnsworth. Brian Dozier had 2 hits for the Twins and Carl Pavano threw 4 innings with 1 earned run allowed.

The Twins beat the White Sox 7-6 in Chicago Wednesday in the final game of a 3-game series. Minnesota erupted for 6 first inning runs off starter Jake Peavy. The Twins added a run in the 7th inning on a Jason Repko homerun after Chicago cut the lead to 6-3. Jason Kubel and Luke Hughes each had 2-run homeruns in the first inning and both Joe Mauer and Trevor Plouffe were 2-4 on the day. Scott Diamond threw 6 innings with 3 hits and 3 earned runs allowed to get his first major league win.

The Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers 11-4 to end a 7-game losing streak Sunday afternoon. Luke Hughes led the Twins with 2 homeruns and 5 RBIs, Jason Kubel added a 3-run homerun and Justin Morneau was 3-4 with a run scored and 1 RBI. Brian Duensing allowed 3 earned runs in 6 innings to get the win and improve to 9-13. Brad Penny took the loss for the Tigers. Minnesota improves to 56-77 and are 17 games back of Detroit for first place in the American League Central.

The Twins have lost 7 straight games after falling 6-4 at home to Detroit Saturday afternoon. Justin Verlander threw 6 innings with 8 hits and 4 earned runs allowed to get the win, his 20th. He becomes the first pitcher to 20 wins this season. Carl Pavano allowed 9 hits and 6 runs (5 earned) in 6 2/3 innings to take the loss.

The Twins have placed 2nd baseman Alexi Casilla on the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring injury. He is likely to miss 2 to 3 weeks. The Twins called up infielder Luke Hughes from triple-A Rochester to replace Casilla on the active roster.

The Twins snapped a 6-game losing streak with a 6-4 win over the L.A. Dodgers at Target Field Tuesday night. Luke Hughes hit a 2-run homerun in the 5th inning to break a 4-all tie for the Twins. Ben Revere went 2-3 with 2 runs scored, 2 stolen bases and 1 RBI and Jason Repko was 2-3 with 2 runs scored and 2 stolen bases for the Twins.