MINNEAPOLIS -- Sunday afternoon's lineup did not look all that familiar to Twins fans.
First baseman Justin Morneau had the day off because of general soreness, and second baseman Nick Punto did not play because of bruised ribs. The fact that leadoff hitter Denard Span is on the disabled list until at least Thursday because of dizziness caused by an ear infection did not help.
Then right fielder Jason Kubel left in the third inning after throwing up.
The Twins were shorthanded and it showed in Houston's 4-1 victory on Sunday at the Metrodome in front of 39,659 fans on Father's Day.
Astros lefthander Wandy Rodriguez pitched seven innings, holding the weakened lineup to just two hits and striking out eight by throwing cutters inside to righthanded hitters and spotting the ball away to lefties.
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Things got so bad for the Twins in the sixth that center fielder Carlos Gomez was hit in the face when the ball bounced off his bat as he tried to bunt his way on. Initially, it looked like Gomez was going to have to leave; instead, he struck out while looking dazed from being hit.
"We're not very healthy," said catcher Mike Redmond. "We have to get guys out on the field and that's the one thing over the course of a season that can really take its toll on your team."
And in looking ahead to the next series at Milwaukee starting Tuesday, the Twins will need a lineup that produces more than just two hits to beat a Brewers team that averages five runs a game.
Even with Punto being listed as day-to-day and Morneau expected to play Tuesday, manager Ron Gardenhire said he understands the Twins need to get healthy, and in a hurry if possible.
"There are really not a lot of answers right now," he said. "There are not people ready to come up here and help us, so we have to let these guys to get well."
Lefthander Glen Perkins (2-4) made his second start after coming back from an inflamed left elbow, which had him on the disabled list. Perkins struggled early, giving up three runs in the first.
From there on, Perkins watched Rodriguez (6-6) take control. The only support the Twins could provide was a home run by Michael Cuddyer to left in the second.
"It was tough not having guys in the lineup, but that doesn't account for only two hits," Cuddyer said. "The guy (Rodriguez) just pitched really well. We want to play better, but we can't panic."
