Twins P Blackburn asks for trainer, leaves in 6th

MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Nick Blackburn was removed with one out in the sixth inning during his start on Saturday against the Texas Rangers because of shoulder stiffness.

Blackburn threw his 79th pitch of the day — a ball to David Murphy — and motioned for the trainer.

Brian Duensing replaced Blackburn with the Twins trailing 2-1 and a runner on first base.

Blackburn missed the last six weeks of the 2011 season with a right forearm injury.