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Twins-Mariners Preview

Aug 28, 2010 - 6:46 AM By SANTOSH VENKATARAMAN STATS Senior Writer

Minnesota (74-55) at Seattle (50-78), 4:10 p.m. EDT

Nick Blackburn was dominant through the first two months of the season, but hasn't been the same since his last start at Safeco Field.

He'll return to the place where his slide began Saturday as the AL Central-leading Minnesota Twins may debut new reliever Brian Fuentes as they continue a weekend series against the Seattle Mariners.

Blackburn (7-8, 6.49 ERA) went 6-1 with a 4.28 ERA through his first nine starts before he gave up five runs over 3 2-3 innings in a 7-1 loss at Seattle on June 1. That began a 1-6 skid with a 9.88 ERA in his next nine outings, and he was sent to the bullpen before being demoted to the minors July 30.

The right-hander was called up from Triple-A Rochester on Sunday to pitch the next night at Texas, and looked like an improved pitcher. Blackburn gave up three runs over seven innings in a 4-0 loss.

"He gave us a great performance," catcher Joe Mauer told the Twins' official website. "We just wish we could have gotten him some runs."

Blackburn is 1-1 with a 4.08 ERA in five career starts against the Mariners (50-78). He's had trouble against the top hitters in Seattle's lineup - Ichiro Suzuki is 6 for 12 and Chone Figgins 11 for 19.

The Twins will have a new arm in their bullpen in four-time All-Star Fuentes, who was acquired from the Angels on Friday for a player to be named.

Manager Ron Gardenhire said before Friday's 6-3 victory that he will use Fuentes to set up closer Matt Capps, and "probably as an occasional closer if I use the other guy too much."

The Twins (74-55) lost lefties Ron Mahay (torn rotator cuff) and Jose Mijares (right knee surgery) earlier this month.

"It's another very good arm out in the bullpen, with experience," Gardenhire said. "He should help us a lot, after losing two left-handers recently."

Fuentes was 4-1 with a 3.52 ERA and converted 23 for 27 saves for Los Angeles.

"There are a lot of relationships I've made here," Fuentes said. "But on the flip side, the business side takes over and there's an opportunity to make both clubs better. So I'm looking forward to my time in Minnesota and getting back in the hunt."

Minnesota remained 3 1/2 games ahead of the Chicago White Sox with its second straight win following a three-game skid. Mauer had three hits and drove in two runs as part of the Twins' 12-hit attack.

With Seattle starting left-hander Jason Vargas on Friday, Minnesota designated hitter Jim Thome sat out on his 40th birthday. Thome has 582 homers - one shy of Mark McGwire for ninth on the career list.

The slugger could return against Doug Fister (4-9, 3.87), whom Minnesota has beaten twice this season. Fister posted a 4.97 ERA in those starts and gave up homers to five different Twins - one by Thome.

The right-hander gave up five runs - two earned - over 6 1-3 innings in a 6-3 loss at Boston on Monday. Fister has been a better pitcher at home, going 3-4 with a 3.14 ERA in 12 outings.