Worth noting

• Josh Willingham wasn't in the lineup again on Sunday, earning another day of rest while nursing his sore knee. He pinch-hit in the seventh inning, delivering a game-tying ground-rule double in the Twins' 9-8 loss to the Royals.

• Infielder Brian Dozier did not start on Sunday as utility man Eduardo Escobar began the series finale at second base. Gardenhire noted that Escobar needs to get some playing time and Dozier was 0-for-7 previously against Royals starter Ervin Santana. Dozier entered as a pinch-runner for Willingham in the seventh and remained in the game at second base for Escobar, who was lifted for pinch-hitter Willingham.