By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS — After a couple days off, I’m back on the beat today and hope that you enjoyed the coverage from associate reporter Jocelyn Syrstad this weekend.

The big question today for the Twins was whether or not Orlando Hudson would be activated from the DL. The answer to that is no.

Hudson (sprained left wrist) took part in batting practice today, but he’s still only swinging right-handed. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he won’t activate Hudson until he’s ready to swing left-handed as well and there is no clear cut answer on when that might happen. So for now Hudson remains day-to-day and there is no guarantee he’ll be ready to play at all during this series with the Rockies.

Matt Tolbert is getting the start at second base tonight against the Rockies and Nick Punto is at shortstop. Gardenhire said that Trevor Plouffe has been swinging at a few more pitches out of the zone since he was recalled, but he attributes a lot of that to the advance scouts. Still with both Hudson and shortstop J.J. Hardy still out, Plouffe and third baseman Danny Valencia should continue to see plenty of opportunities in the lineup.

Rockies (33-30)
Carlos Gonzalez, CF
Todd Helton, 1B
Troy Tulowitzki, SS
Jason Giambi, DH
Ryan Spillborghs, RF
Seth Smith, LF
Miguel Olivo, C
Ian Stewart, 3B
Clint Barmes, 2B
Pitching: RHP Aaron Cook (2-3, 4.76 ERA)

Twins

(36-27)
Denard Span, CF
Matt Tolbert, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Justin Morneau, 1B
Michael Cuddyer, RF
Jason Kubel, DH
Delmon Young, LF
Danny Valencia, 3B
Nick
Punto, SS
Pitching: RHP Carl Pavano
(6-6, 3.92 ERA)

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