Happy Fourth of July (Game 83 vs. Rays)

MINNEAPOLIS — Joe Mauer is back behind the plate against the Rays, but Twins manager Ron Gardenhire hinted Mauer is getting closer and closer to making his first career start at first base.

Gardenhire said it could happen as soon as some point during their four-game series with the White Sox this weekend.

“I haven’t decided, but maybe in Chicago,” Gardenhire said. “Who knows? We’ll just see. I know we have a lot of right-handers coming up after today.”

Lineups for Monday’s 1:10 p.m. CT start at Target Field on the Fourth of July:

Rays (47-37)

1. Johnny Damon, DH
2. Sean Rodriguez, 2B
3. Evan Longoria, 3B
4. B.J. Upton, CF
5. Justin Ruggiano, LF
6. Casey Kotchman, 1B
7. KellY Shoppach, C
8. Matt Joyce, RF
9. Elliot Johnson, SS

LHP David Price (8-6, 3.43 ERA, 3.55 FIP, 5.27 K/BB)

Twins (36-46)

1. Ben Revere, CF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Michael Cuddyer, RF
5. Danny Valencia, DH
6. Luke Hughes, 1B
7. Jason Repko, LF
8. Matt Tolbert, 3B
9. Tsuyoshi Nishioka, SS

LHP Brian Duensing (5-7, 4.69 ERA, 3.70 FIP, 1.97 K/BB)