The Twins scratched lefty Glen Perkins from tonight’s start against the Yankees due to what team officals are calling a fever.

That means Alex Rodriguez, who would have been the DH against the lefty, will play third base, and Hideki Matsui remains in the lineup as DH against right-hander Anthony Swarzak (2-2; 3.91 ERA).

Lefty Francisco Liriano (4-8; 5.49) will start tomorrow afternoon, when Rodriguez is likely to be the DH to provide some rest as he continues his comeback from hip surgery.

— George A. King III