By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS — The Twins are set to open up a big series against the White Sox tonight but most eyes this afternoon were on first baseman Justin Morneau as he took early batting practice with the team.

Morneau has been working out on a nearly daily basis at Target Field, but this was the first time that us writers had been able to see him hit with his teammates on the field. He sure didn’t look rusty, hitting a few balls out of the park. Afterward, Morneau joked that it was due to “fresh hands.”

But while it was good to see Morneau on the field and he’s even been sitting in the dugout during some recent games — both positive steps — the first baseman said Tuesday that there is still “nothing new to report.”

Morneau said he has yet to make it through a day symptom-free from the concussion he suffered on July 7 at Toronto. That will be a critical step for the first baseman before he and the club explore any further progress.

“It feels good in the morning when I wake up and as the day goes on, it doesn’t feel as good,” Morneau said.

So for now, the focus is back on the White Sox. The Twins have won five of the seven games they’ve played vs. Chicago since the All-Star Break and this week they have the opportunity to increase their lead in the AL Central race, which currently sits at three games.

One more newsy note: the Twins signed two additional draft picks before last night’s 11:01 p.m. CT deadline — 24th round pick catcher Michael Quesada and 46th round pick right-hander Adam Achter. The Twins agreed to terms with 31 of the 50 players they drafted, including all of their top 10 picks.

White Sox
(65-53)

Juan Pierre, LF

Omar Vizquel, 3B
Alex Rios, CF
Paul Konerko, 1B
Carlos
Quentin, RF
Mark Kotsay, DH
A.J. Pierzynski, C
Alexei Ramirez,
3B
Gordon Beckham, 2B

Pitching: LHP John Danks (12-8, 3.19 ERA)

Twins

(68-50)

Denard Span, CF

Orlando Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Jason Kubel, RF
Delmon Young,
LF
Jim Thome, DH
Danny Valencia, 3B
J.J. Hardy, SS

Pitching: RHP Scott Baker (10-9, 4.76 ERA)

 

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