By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS — Orlando Hudson was backing swinging right-handed during batting practice today, but manager Ron Gardenhire said that Hudson took some swings left-handed in the cage before BP.

That’s a positive step for Hudson and the target date now appears to be Friday for when he might be activated off the disabled list, as Gardenhire said Hudson feels he’ll be ready at that time.

Shortstop J.J. Hardy continues to rest and undergo his rehab program for his sore left wrist. Hardy has not started swinging yet and Gardenhire said the club is unsure whether he’ll need to go out on a Minor League rehab assignment before he’ll be ready to return.

“We just have to see when he gets well,” Gardenhire said. ” I would think that he should
probably be able to go right back into it, but again, I don’t know how
many more days it’s going to be, so I can’t tell you that.”

The Rockies have recalled former Twins reliever Juan Rincon from
Triple-A Colorado Springs in time for tonight’s game. Rincon was 2-2 with a 7.25 ERA and seven saves, having allowed 18 earned runs in 22 1/3 innings, along with 20 walks and 23 strikeouts. 

Rockies (33-31)

Carlos
Gonzalez, CF
Todd Helton, 1B
Troy Tulowitzki, SS
Brad Hawpe, RF
Melvin Mora, 3B
Jason Giambi, DH
Seth Smith, LF
Chris Iannetta, C
Clint Barmes, 2B
Pitching: RHP Jhoulys Chacin (3-5, 4.04 ERA)

Twins

(37-27)
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 Scott Baker
(5-5, 4.81 ERA)

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