Los Angeles @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 28, 2011 ) LA Dodgers 4, Minnesota 6

THE STORY: After opening the week with a truly ugly loss, the Minnesota Twins aim to wrap up their three-game series against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers on a high note Wednesday. The Twins rebounded from their 15-0 loss on Monday with a 6-4 win Tuesday against the Dodgers and starting pitcher Ted Lilly. Both teams are off Thursday.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket, FS North

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Rubby De La Rosa (3-2, 5.26) at Twins RH Scott Baker (5-4, 3.24 ERA)

De La Rosa gave up five runs on nine hits while striking out six over six innings against the Angels last Friday. The Dodgers are 5-2 in games in which De La Rosa has appeared. Baker allowed four runs on eight hits over 6 2/3 innings against the Brewers last Thursday. The Twins are 19-9 in Baker’s last 28 home starts. He has gone six-plus innings in 12 of his 15 starts.

ABOUT THE DODGERS (36-45): Just when it looked like Jonathan Broxton (elbow) was on his way back, it’s now possible he could be out for the season. He’ll be shut down for three weeks after an MRI on Monday turned up additional problems. Javy Guerra figures to receive most of the save opportunities with Broxton out. According to the Denver Post, the Rockies are showing interest in infielder Jamey Carroll. The Rockies have tried all season to find a regular second baseman, and Carroll would likely fill that hole for Colorado. Carroll is owed about $1 million through the end of the 2011 season, but it’s not clear how eager the Dodgers are to move him. Pitcher Hiroki Kuroda is also drawing trade interest, with the Rockies and Reds mentioned as potential destinations. Kuroda, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, is 5-9 with a 3.10 ERA over 101 2/3 innings.

ABOUT THE TWINS (33-45): Joe Mauer started at catcher on Monday and was the team’s designated hitter on Tuesday, but there's a chance he could be appearing at first base soon. With Justin Morneau (neck) out until at least mid-August, the Twins are looking to keep Mauer on the field when he’s not catching. Mauer, who hasn’t played first since 2003 with Single-A Fort Myers, said he’s open to playing first base as long as he maintains his status as a starting catcher. Morneau is scheduled to have surgery on the pinched nerve in his neck Wednesday. Jason Kubel (foot) began his rehab assignment on Tuesday with Fort Myers. He’ll play in minor league games this week and could rejoin the Twins as soon as next week. Don’t expect Denard Span (concussion) back before the All-Star break. Span is taking batting practice indoors, but he hasn’t done much outside yet. Twins fans were encouraged by Joe Nathan’s scoreless inning of relief on Tuesday. It was his first appearance without allowing a hit since May 6, spanning seven games.

FINAL PITCH: Twins third baseman Danny Valencia after Monday’s 15-0 loss: “That was bad. There's nothing really else to say. It was just really, really bad and depressing.”