As the Minnesota Twins close in on at least a .500 record for the first time since Oct. 3, 2010, when they closed out last season against the Toronto Bluejays, fans are wondering: What does this team need to do to capture the American League Central crown?

The solution is quite simple, get healthy, hit more consistently and do something with the horrendous middle relievers.

Injuries have plagued the Twins all season, but it looks as though the club might be finally getting the same Joe Mauer back that signed a $184 million extension back in March. Mauer has gone 9-for-15 against the Cleveland Indians but has still yet to hit any homers.

Scott Baker, Jason Kubel, Justin Morneau, Kevin Slowey and Denard Span all still remain on the disabled list but many of them are playing in AAA Rochester to rehab.

It will be interesting to see how Ron Gardenhire adjusts the lineup when Kubel and Span return to the Twins, with the emergence of Ben Revere. I would guess that Revere becomes an off-day starter and a substitute base runner, or we could see a rotation similar to the way the outfield was handled in 2009 when Carlos Gomez was with the team.

Either way I foresee Michael Cuddyer playing more in the infield at first base, with Morneau out until at least mid-August, assuming everyone else returns healthy.

Second, the Twins need to get on base more consistently. They are ranked 25th in the league with an on-base percentage of .308.

They have been pretty poor at knocking in runs with runners in scoring position. Danny Valencia is the team leader in RBIs at 51; he is only batting .255 with runners in scoring position.

Second baseman Alexi Casilla is a batting a disappointing .164 with runners in scoring position. That number is even inflated considering the recent success he has had behind the plate.

Cuddyer is only hitting .264 with runners in scoring position. Mauer and Jim Thome are having success hitting the ball with runners on, batting .333 and .310 in the category, respectively.

And will someone please do something about the bullpen in the sixth and seventh innings?

Obviously the club’s middle relievers can’t hack it. The Twins calling on Alex Burnett to bridge the gap is like putting the nails in the coffin. Burnett has pitched 29 innings this year and has allowed 20 earned runs. Someone should tell him the object of the game is to not let the other team score.

On the bright side, Joe Nathan looks to be back to the pre-Tommy John surgery version of himself. Now we shouldn’t have to worry about Matt Capps blowing his eighth save of the year.

All in all somehow the Twins still have a pretty decent shot at winning the AL Central. They should be a buyer for a decent reliever before the trade deadline, which could set them up to erase the six-game lead the Indians have on the division.

Garrett Wampler is a staff intern at the Tribune.