It's becoming unlikely that shortstop J.J. Hardy will come off the disabled list in time to play against Milwaukee this weekend. Hardy, out with a bruised left wrist, has been rehabbing at Target Field but has been unable to do any more than hit off a tee.

He's just starting to get to the point where he's not feeling any soreness the day after activity. So the Twins are expected to let him take the weekend and Monday's offday to get ready, then activate him for the Yankees series on Tuesday.

The Twins are expected to send righthander Jeff Manship back to Class AAA Rochester after the game and bring up an infielder. With Luke Hughes on the DL with a strained groin - and Matt Tolbert having to stay in the minors for at least 10 days - the door could be open for Trevor Plouffe or Danny Valencia to join the team for the weekend. Stay tuned.

Update: Trevor Plouffe is NOT in the starting lineup tonight at Class AAA Rochester.

Haven't heard anything about moving a certain struggling reliever - but I wouldn't totally rule it out either.

Clay Condrey will throw a 50-pitch bullpen session on Friday before heading to Fort Myers to face hitters. Pat Neshek will throw in the bullpen a couple more times before he'll be ready to send to Fort Myers. We'll see.

Twins (24-16)

1. Denard Span, CF
2. Orlando Hudson, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Michael Cuddyer, RF
6. Jason Kubel, DH
7. Delmon Young, LF
8. Brendan Harris, SS
9. Nick Punto, 3B

Pitching: LHP Francisco Liriano

Red Sox (21-20)

1. Darnell McDonald, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Victor Martinez, C
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. Mike Lowell, DH
6. Adrian Beltre, 3B
7. J.D. Drew, RF
8. Bill Hall, LF
9. Angel Sanchez, SS

Pitching: LHP Jon Lester