Monday night may have been Anthony Swarzak's last start for a while anyway, but his 4th inning meltdown against the Oakland Athletics probably sealed the deal. Glen Perkins is scheduled to pitch his second rehab start tonight and would be eligible to return to the team this weekend againt the Cubs.

In the 4th inning Swarzak couldn't get a ball over the plate. He walked the first two batters of the inning on 8 straight balls. Brendan Harris made a diving stop and threw out Matt Holliday at 3rd, which was a huge play at the time. Unfortunately Swarzak hit the next batter, Aaron Cunningham in the side of the helmet, knocking him out of the game. Swarzak allowed a double, retired a second batter and then walked another before Luis Ayala was called upon to relieve him.

Ayala allowed the go-ahead run in the fifth inning on a solo home run from Jack Cust and that was the end of the scoring for the game. The Twins lost 4-3, marking yet another narrow loss for the Twins. The Twins fell to 3 games under .500.

If Perkins is truly healthy and ready to go, it's hard to imagine Swarzak getting another start. He debut start was a good one and he followed it up with an OK second start. His past two haven't lasted more than 4 innings though, and his high walk rate throughout is a sign that he could use some more work in Rochester.

Game Notes

• Joe Mauer was 2-4 with 2 singles.
• Justin Morneau was 0-4 with 3 strikeouts.
• The Twins had no extra base hits in the game.
• Sean Henn pitched 2 1/3 innings without allowing a baserunner.

Scott Baker will try to end the 3-game skid tonight at 9:05 CT.