Brian Duensing was hammered in Sunday's loss to the Twins, surrendering six runs on seven hits in just two innings of work. He fanned three while walking two in the game. The A's blasted three home runs in the second inning alone (Jonny Gomes, Yoenis Cespedes and Chris Carter), running Duensing's long ball count on the year to six in just 48 innings of work. He's now 1-6 with an uninspiring 5.06 ERA on the year and may be running out of chances in the Twins rotation. He'll attempt to turn things around when he takes on the Royals in Kansas City on Friday.

Twins assistant GM Rob Antony offered promising news on Brian Duensing's ailing ankle on Sunday. "He could pitch out of the 'pen tonight if we needed him," Antony said. Duensing left Wednesday's start against the Tigers after taking a line drive off his left leg and was diagnosed with a contusion. While Duensing may be called on in relief Sunday night against the Rangers, he will return to the rotation either way after the All-Star break.

Brian Duensing left Wednesday's start against the Tigers after taking a line drive off his left leg. Duensing was in a lot of pain after being nailed by Alex Avila's comebacker, though he was at least able to walk off the field under his own power. He'll undergo X-rays soon, at which point we'll know more about his status. Duensing pitching pretty well before exiting, giving up two runs on four hits and a walk over 4 1/3 innings.

Brian Duensing looked incredibly shaky in a loss to the Royals on Friday, allowing three runs on eight hits in just four innings pitched. He struck out one and didn't walk a batter in the game. He allowed single runs in the first, second and fifth innings, but was able to limit the damage beyond that point. Salvador Perez' homer in the second inning was the fourth homer he's allowed in just 45 2/3 innings. He'll take a 1-4 record and 4.10 ERA into his next outing against the Tigers in Detroit on Wednesday.

Brian Duensing was not impressive in his return to the rotation Saturday, allowing four runs on four hits over just three innings against the Reds. Duensing was great out of the bullpen this season, posting a 3.12 ERA and 22/9 K/BB ratio over 34 2/3 innings, but he didn't get the job done against a good lineup in a tough pitcher's park this afternoon. He walked a pair and struck out only one, getting pulled after 63 pitches. We aren't sure if he'll stick in the rotation, but Minnesota doesn't have a lot of alternative options and the 29-year-old southpaw has had success as a starter in the past, with a 4.15 ERA over 50 starts in the big leagues.

Brian Duensing will indeed start Saturday against the Reds. Duensing has been solid out of the bullpen this season, but the Twins are giving him another shot in the rotation after shuffling through a number of options. That two of the Reds' best hitters (Joey Votto and Jay Bruce) are both left-handed is also a factor. The 29-year-old southpaw has a 4.15 ERA over 50 starts in the big leagues. He'll likely have a pitch-count in his first start, so he doesn't come recommended on Saturday, but he could have some value in AL-only leagues if he sticks.

Brian Duensing is considered likely to start Saturday against the Reds. The Twins have yet to make an official announcement, but that seems to be the way they are leaning. Duensing has pitched exclusively out of the bullpen this season, posting a 3.12 ERA and 22/9 K/BB ratio over 34 2/3 innings, but he has plenty of starting experience. He hasn't enjoyed much success against right-hander batters during his career, so we're not convinced he'll be successful, but it's worth a shot. He should be added in AL-only leagues.

The Twins are considering moving Brian Duensing back to their rotation. Duensing has been terrific out of the pen this year, posting a 2.16 ERA and 0.90 WHIP over 15 appearances. He's better suited for relief given his problems with right-handed batters, but the Twins are desperate for rotation help right now. "He's really good in the 'pen," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "I love him right where he's at, but if we can't get to the bullpen, then what good does it do out there?" Scott Diamond and P.J. Walters both pitched well in their first starts, but it seems likely that one of them will replaced by Duensing before long.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan said Wednesday that the composition of the starting rotation will be determined during spring training. "We've got a situation there where we've got probably six, seven, eight guys that will be in the area of starting and potential to be starters," said Ryan. "I wouldn't eliminate Duensing. I wouldn't eliminate (Anthony) Swarzak. I wouldn't eliminate (Matt) Mahoney. I wouldn't eliminate (Scott) Diamond. . . . We're going to end up opening that thing up down there. Obviously we'll have decisions to make. If everyone stays healthy, then we will have good problems." As of now, the Twins project to have Carl Pavano, Francisco Liriano, Scott Baker, Jason Marquis and Nick Blackburn in their rotation. Brian Duensing would move to the bullpen in this scenario, but considering how much he has struggled against right-handed batters, most believe he'll help the Twins more as a reliever, anyway.

Brian Duensing yielded two runs over five innings in a no-decision against the Indians on Saturday. This was his first start since suffering a right oblique strain on September 3. Duensing fell short of his 10th victory, allowing three hits wile striking out four and walking just one. He'll finish the season with a 5.29 ERA and 1.54 WHIP over 27 starts and four relief appearances. Right-handed batters have feasted off him this season, so he is likely better off in the bullpen for the long-term.