Duensing and the Twins avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.7 million contract, Phil Ervin of Fox Sports North reports.

This will be Duensing's last arbitration agreement before free agency, but he could be in for a rough contract year. The lefty outperformed his FIP by well more than a run and registered his lowest strikeout rate since 2010.

Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press believes Brian Duensing could draw some trade inquiries before Thursday's non-waiver trade deadline.

Duensing owns a 2.27 ERA and 1.19 WHIP as a reliever this season, and in a market where lefties Andrew Miller and Antonio Bastardo are drawing interest Berardino views Duensing as a trade candidate as well. He also reports the Twins haven't approached Duensing about a long-term deal. Duensing, 31, will be a free agent following the 2015 season.

Twins activated LHP Brian Duensing from the paternity leave list.

Duensing's wife was induced on Monday. He will be available out of the Twins' bullpen Thursday in Chicago.

Twins placed Brian Duensing on the paternity leave list.

Duensing's wife is scheduled to be induced on Monday. The left-hander is expected back in time for Thursday's game. Michael Tonkin has taken his spot on the roster.

Twins avoided arbitration with LHP Brian Duensing by agreeing to a one-year, $2 million contract.

It was Duensing's second season of arbitration eligibility. The southpaw posted a 3.98 ERA over 73 appearances in 2013 in his first year as a full-time reliever.

The Twins have tendered a contract to left-hander Brian Duensing.

Duensing's salary could rise to around $2 million in his second year of arbitration, but the Twins are willing to keep him around after he posted a 3.98 ERA and 56/22 K/BB ratio over 61 innings as a full-time reliever this past season. The Twins will also tender contracts to Anthony Swarzak and Trevor Plouffe.

Brian Duensing is "a possibility" to start for the Twins in 2014, Twins general manager Terry Ryan said on Wednesday.

Ryan then added the caveat that such a move "is not probable for me." The southpaw had a 3.98 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 61 innings of relief last season. He made 11 starts as recently as 2012, and he's got 61 starts in his major league career. The Twins, who are desperate for starting pitching help, could give the 30-year-old a look as a starter in spring training.

Brian Duensing is currently dealing with flu-like symptoms.

Duensing is scheduled to have an IV this afternoon, so his status isn't yet known. He wouldn't have been available if Monday's game was played.

Twins avoided arbitration with LHP Brian Duensing by agreeing to a one-year, $1.3 million contract.

It was his first year of arbitration. Duensing has posted an ugly 5.19 ERA over the last two years for the Twins in a swingman role.

Brian Duensing pitched six quality innings Monday night, holding the A's to two runs and striking out seven in a victory.

Duensing won for just the second time in nine starts this season. He was expected to return to the bullpen after Carl Pavano came off the disabled list, but who knows if that will materialize? Expect him to pitch in Texas this weekend, which won't make him recommended in AL-only leagues.

Brian Duensing will start Sunday for the Twins against the Indians.

He's taking the spot of Francisco Liriano, who has been dealt to the White Sox. Duensing struggled earlier this season while in the rotation, and it's not clear how long he'll remain there this time around.

Brian Duensing was hammered in Sunday's loss to the Twins, surrendering six runs on seven hits in just two innings of work.

He fanned three while walking two in the game. The A's blasted three home runs in the second inning alone (Jonny Gomes, Yoenis Cespedes and Chris Carter), running Duensing's long ball count on the year to six in just 48 innings of work. He's now 1-6 with an uninspiring 5.06 ERA on the year and may be running out of chances in the Twins rotation. He'll attempt to turn things around when he takes on the Royals in Kansas City on Friday.

Twins assistant GM Rob Antony offered promising news on Brian Duensing's ailing ankle on Sunday.

"He could pitch out of the 'pen tonight if we needed him," Antony said. Duensing left Wednesday's start against the Tigers after taking a line drive off his left leg and was diagnosed with a contusion. While Duensing may be called on in relief Sunday night against the Rangers, he will return to the rotation either way after the All-Star break.

Brian Duensing left Wednesday's start against the Tigers after taking a line drive off his left leg.

Duensing was in a lot of pain after being nailed by Alex Avila's comebacker, though he was at least able to walk off the field under his own power. He'll undergo X-rays soon, at which point we'll know more about his status. Duensing pitching pretty well before exiting, giving up two runs on four hits and a walk over 4 1/3 innings.

Brian Duensing looked incredibly shaky in a loss to the Royals on Friday, allowing three runs on eight hits in just four innings pitched.

He struck out one and didn't walk a batter in the game. He allowed single runs in the first, second and fifth innings, but was able to limit the damage beyond that point. Salvador Perez' homer in the second inning was the fourth homer he's allowed in just 45 2/3 innings. He'll take a 1-4 record and 4.10 ERA into his next outing against the Tigers in Detroit on Wednesday.

Brian Duensing was not impressive in his return to the rotation Saturday, allowing four runs on four hits over just three innings against the Reds.

Duensing was great out of the bullpen this season, posting a 3.12 ERA and 22/9 K/BB ratio over 34 2/3 innings, but he didn't get the job done against a good lineup in a tough pitcher's park this afternoon. He walked a pair and struck out only one, getting pulled after 63 pitches. We aren't sure if he'll stick in the rotation, but Minnesota doesn't have a lot of alternative options and the 29-year-old southpaw has had success as a starter in the past, with a 4.15 ERA over 50 starts in the big leagues.

Brian Duensing will indeed start Saturday against the Reds.

Duensing has been solid out of the bullpen this season, but the Twins are giving him another shot in the rotation after shuffling through a number of options. That two of the Reds' best hitters (Joey Votto and Jay Bruce) are both left-handed is also a factor. The 29-year-old southpaw has a 4.15 ERA over 50 starts in the big leagues. He'll likely have a pitch-count in his first start, so he doesn't come recommended on Saturday, but he could have some value in AL-only leagues if he sticks.

Brian Duensing is considered likely to start Saturday against the Reds.

The Twins have yet to make an official announcement, but that seems to be the way they are leaning. Duensing has pitched exclusively out of the bullpen this season, posting a 3.12 ERA and 22/9 K/BB ratio over 34 2/3 innings, but he has plenty of starting experience. He hasn't enjoyed much success against right-hander batters during his career, so we're not convinced he'll be successful, but it's worth a shot. He should be added in AL-only leagues.

The Twins are considering moving Brian Duensing back to their rotation.

Duensing has been terrific out of the pen this year, posting a 2.16 ERA and 0.90 WHIP over 15 appearances. He's better suited for relief given his problems with right-handed batters, but the Twins are desperate for rotation help right now. "He's really good in the 'pen," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "I love him right where he's at, but if we can't get to the bullpen, then what good does it do out there?" Scott Diamond and P.J. Walters both pitched well in their first starts, but it seems likely that one of them will replaced by Duensing before long.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan said Wednesday that the composition of the starting rotation will be determined during spring training.

"We've got a situation there where we've got probably six, seven, eight guys that will be in the area of starting and potential to be starters," said Ryan. "I wouldn't eliminate Duensing. I wouldn't eliminate (Anthony) Swarzak. I wouldn't eliminate (Matt) Mahoney. I wouldn't eliminate (Scott) Diamond. . . . We're going to end up opening that thing up down there. Obviously we'll have decisions to make. If everyone stays healthy, then we will have good problems." As of now, the Twins project to have Carl Pavano, Francisco Liriano, Scott Baker, Jason Marquis and Nick Blackburn in their rotation. Brian Duensing would move to the bullpen in this scenario, but considering how much he has struggled against right-handed batters, most believe he'll help the Twins more as a reliever, anyway.