BY GORDON WITTENMYER
Pioneer Press

Twins outfielder Jason Kubel hadn't started a game since Aug. 30 and
hadn't gotten a hit since Aug. 18, but after putting him in the lineup,
Gardenhire suggested the young left-handed hitter can be a key for the
Twins in the final three weeks.

"We still think he has a great swing,'' said Gardenhire, who batted Kubel
as the designated hitter because of the favorable lefty-righty matchup
with Detroit starter Jeremy Bonderman. "He can really help us down the
stretch if we can get some confidence in him and get him swinging. He
could really be a boost for us, giving us a left-hander against some of
these tough righties — and even pinch-hitting.''

Kubel, who was batting .167 since the all-star break, ended a 0-for-19
skid with a single in the seventh inning.