Jason Kubel left Sunday’s series finale against the Astros following the third inning due to an illness, the team announced.

Kubel
had started the game in right field with Michael Cuddyer filling in at
first base for Justin Morneau, who got his first day off in nearly two
years on Sunday. Due to Kubel falling ill, Cuddyer moved back to right
field for the start of the fourth inning and Brian Buscher was inserted
at first base.

In addition to Morneau getting a day off due to
general soreness, Nick Punto was on the bench for Sunday’s contest with
sore right ribs. Punto bruised his ribs while diving head-first into
first base on Saturday night.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said
that he didn’t believe the injury would result in a disabled list stint
for Punto, but that the injury will take only a couple days to get
better. The infielder said he was still pretty sore on Sunday but he
hopes the club’s off day on Monday will give the injury enough time to
heal.

“You never think about that,” Punto said of suffering
bruised ribs on the play. “The dangers in diving head-first are hands
or shoulders. It’s just frustrating.”