Morneau headed back to Twin Cities
By Kelly Thesier
MLB.com
ARLINGTON — Twins first baseman Justin Morneau left the team today, as he’s headed back to the Twin Cities to see an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Morneau has been bothered by the effects of an inner-ear infection since the team returned from a roadtrip in Detroit. He has not played since Monday due to bouts of dizziness and feeling light-headed over the last few days.
“At times I start to feel better and then it comes back again,” Morneau said.
He was given new medication by the Rangers doctors on Tuesday, but the first baseman did not see any real improvement. So the decision was made to have him go back to Minnesota and see more doctors.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire is hopeful that Morneau can join the team this
weekend in Kansas City. But the team has seen how long the effects of an inner-ear infection can linger, as Denard Span battled his symptoms for over a month and required a stint on the disabled list. So there is still a possibility that Morneau could also wind up on the DL.
Morneau seemed frustrated by the whole thing, particularly that it’s come at a time when the team is fighting to stay in the playoff hunt.
With Morneau still out, Michael Cuddyer is at first base for the third straight day. Joe Mauer, who got beat up a little behind the plate and fouled a ball off his foot, is getting a DH day with Mike Redmond behind the plate as they face left-hander Derek Holland.
Also, the name of Jose Mijares’ son is Javier Alejandro Mijares. He was born on Aug. 17 in Venezuela.
Here are today’s lineups:
Twins (57-62)
3rd place in AL Central, 6.5 games back
Denard Span, RF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, DH
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Joe Crede, 3B
Delmon Young, LF
Mike Redmond, C
Carlos Gomez, CF
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: RHP Anthony Swarzak (3-6, 5.87)
Rangers (67-52)
2nd place in AL West, 6.5 games back (one game back in AL Wild Card)
Julio Borbon, DH
Michael Young, 3B
Josh Hamilton, RF
Marlon Byrd, CF
Ian Kinsler, 2B
Nelson Cruz, RF
Hank Blalock, 1B
Taylor Teagarden, C
Elvis Andrus, SS
Pitching: LHP Derek Holland (6-7, 4.88)
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Kelly's Corner 
Maybe it was motivating in the locker room to try and step it up without Morneau around for a while.
Unless Gardy and the Twins management really think they
can overtake the Tigers than I would rest Morneau as he
is too valuable a player for the future of the Twins. The
Twins are going to be a powerhouse in the American
League as long as you have Morneau and Mauer in the
lineup. They are going to be as dangerous as the other
M boys were for the Yankees that being Maris and Mantle.
With the pitching that the Twins have in their minor league
system and going into Target field next season the Twins
are going to be hard to beat. Strong young pitching to
go with Morneau and Mauer it is something all Twin fans
can look forward to.