Category: Dailies
Sunday night baseball: Twins vs. Angels 8/22
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
Angels (62-62)
Bobby Abreu, LF
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Alberto Callaspo, 3B
Torii
Hunter, RF
Hideki Matsui, DH
Erick Aybar, SS
Mike Napoli, 1B
Jeff Mathis, C
Peter Bourjos, CF
Pitching: RHP Jered Weaver (11-8, 3.11 ERA)
Twins
(71-52)
Jason Repko, CF
Orlando Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Jason
Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Jim Thome, DH
Delmon
Young,
LF
Danny Valencia, 3B
Alexi Casilla, SS
Pitching: RHP Scott Baker
(10-9, 4.85 ERA)
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Torii and Target Field: Twins vs. Angels 8/20
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS — There are only 41 games remaining in the regular season but the Angels are making their first ever trip to Target Field.
So this is Torii Hunter’s first glimpse at the new ballpark and he sure is loving it.
I’ll have more on that later on the site. For now, here are the lineups.
Angels (61-61)
Bobby Abreu, DH
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Alberto Callaspo, 3B
Torii Hunter, RF
Juan Rivera, LF
Mike Napoli, C
Erick Aybar, SS
Brandon Wood, 3B
Peter Bourjos, CF
Pitching: RHP Dan Haren (1-3, 3.44 ERA)
Twins
(70-51)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Jason
Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Jim Thome, DH
Delmon
Young,
LF
Danny Valencia, 3B
J.J. Hardy, SS
Pitching: LHP Brian Duensing
(6-1, 2.00 ERA)
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Punto to the DL; Tolbert recalled
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS — Twins infielder Nick Punto has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring and the club has recalled infielder Matt Tolbert from Triple-A Rochester to take his spot on the roster.
The move comes just three days after Punto came off the DL for the same injury.
Punto re-injured his hamstring during Thursday night’s game against the White Sox. It initially appeared that Punto dived into second base while trying to break up a double play. But manager Ron Gardenhire said after the game that Punto didn’t actually attempt a dive but rather fell into the base after he “blew out” the muscle while running to second base.
Tolbert is batting .283 in 42 games with the Red Wings. In 23 games with
the Twins this season, Tolbert is batting .217.
Going for the sweep: Twins vs. White Sox 8/19
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS –The Twins will try for their sixth sweep of the season on Thursday night when they close out this three-game set with the White Sox.
The Twins have won 21 of their last 27 games against Chicago. Wednesday night’s win pushed the the Twins’ lead in the American League Central to a season-high five games and a victory tonight would certainly give them a big cushion over the White Sox with 41 games remaining in the season.
Drew Butera is catching tonight with Carl Pavano on the mound. Joe Mauer, who hit his first HR at Target Field last night, is the team’s DH.
White Sox
(65-53)
Juan Pierre, LF
Omar Vizquel, 3B
Alex Rios, CF
Paul Konerko, 1B
Mark Teahen, RF
Alexei Ramirez, SS
Mark Kotsay, DH
A.J. Pierzynski, C
Gordon Beckham, 2B
Pitching: LHP Mark Buehrle (11-9, 4.05 ERA)
Twins
(70-50)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, DH
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Delmon Young,
LF
Jason
Kubel, RF
Danny Valencia, 3B
Nick Punto, SS
Drew Butera, C
Pitching: RHP Carl Pavano
(15-7, 3.27 ERA)
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Morneau takes early BP: Twins vs. White Sox 8/17
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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Mauer behind the plate, Young gets day off — Twins vs. A’s 8/15
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS — Joe Mauer is back behind the plate today for the Twins after catching last night’s game.
Mauer hasn’t played many day games after night games recently, so it seems to be a sign that the catcher is feeling better. Manager Ron Gardenhire said that Saturday’s quick game and the lack of foul tips played a role in Mauer getting the start behind the plate as well.
Delmon Young is getting the day off today with Jason Repko starting in left field. Young had started 56 straight games for the Twins and played every inning in those games, so Gardenhire felt that Young needed a rest. He said that Young looks to be fighting his swing a little bit right now, following a really hot stretch at the plate, and it could be due to the outfielder’s arms and legs being a little weary.
So Young will rest today and during Monday’s off day before returning to the lineup on Tuesday, but Gardenhire said Young is available off the bench if needed.
J.J. Hardy is getting one final day to rest his left wrist, but Gardenhire said Hardy will be back in the lineup on Tuesday. Hardy’s wrist has been feeling a lot better after taking a few days off.
A roster move is expected after the game to activate infielder Nick Punto. Gardenhire said on his weekly radio show on ESPN 1500 that the Twins will likely send out a catcher. So that means Jose Morales is likely headed back to Triple-A Rochester.
One other news note, the Twins activated Matt Tolbert from the disabled list and optioned him to Triple-A Rochester.
Athletics (57-58)
Coco Crisp, CF
Daric Barton, 1B
Kurt Suzuki, C
Jack Cust, DH
Kevin
Kouzmanoff, 3B
Mark Ellis, 2B
Rajai Davis, RF
Chris
Carter, LF
Cliff Pennington, SS
Pitching: RHP Vin Mazzaro (6-4, 3.86 ERA)
Twins
(67-50)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Jim Thome, DH
Danny Valencia, 3B
Jason Repko, LF
Alexi Casilla, SS
Pitching: RHP Kevin Slowey
(10-5, 4.45 ERA)
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Another one-run contest? — Twins vs. A’s 8/14
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS — The Twins and A’s have played a total of four games against each other so far this season and all of the contests have been decided by one run.
Will that trend continue on Saturday night at Target Field?
The Twins have a stiff task ahead of them tonight against Oakland right-hander Trevor Cahill, who is 12-4 with a 2.56 ERA this season. Cahill has held opponents to a .192 batting average, which is the lowest mark in the American League and only once in his last six starts has he given up more than two earned runs in a contest.
In fact, in Cahill’s last three starts he’s pitched at least eight innings and has not allowed a single earned run in any of those outings.
Left-hander Brian Duensing will take the hill for Minnesota. Shortstop J.J. Hardy is out of the lineup for a third consecutive day due to a sore left wrist, but manager Ron Gardenhire said he’s just trying to give Hardy as many days as possible to get all the soreness out. With Alexi Casilla playing well at shortstop, it’s made that move a little easier and Hardy is available off the bench if needed.
Nick Punto (strained left hamstring) took batting practice with the Twins today. The club is now targeting Tuesday as a return date for him.
Gardenhire also said that left-hander Glen Perkins is available out of the bullpen tonight. Matt Guerrier and Jesse Crain are two relievers the Twins would like to stay away from using and possibly closer Matt Capps as well. The rest of the relievers should be OK to pitch.
Athletics (57-57)
Coco Crisp, CF
Daric Barton, 1B
Kurt Suzuki, C
Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B
Mark Ellis, 2B
Rajai Davis, RF
Jack Cust, DH
Chris Carter, LF
Steve Tolleson, SS
Pitching: RHP Trevor Cahill (12-4, 2.56 ERA)
Twins
(66-50)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Jim Thome, DH
Delmon Young,
LF
Danny Valencia, 3B
Alexi Casilla, SS
Pitching: LHP Brian Duensing
(5-1, 2.27 ERA)
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Mijares to undergo surgery; no timetable still for Morneau
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS — The Twins bullpen was dealt a blow on Friday when an MRI on Jose Mijares’ right knee revealed a torn meniscus and he’ll have to undergo surgery that will keep him out for about four weeks.
That’s still enough time for Mijares to possibly rejoin the team for the end of the season, but it will all depend on how long it takes for the left-hander to recover.Mijares suffered the injury while running to cover first base in the eighth inning of Wednesday’s 6-1 loss to the White Sox in Chicago.
Manager Ron Gardenhire said that without Mijares the club will rely more on left-hander Ron Mahay in a larger role. Glen Perkins will also give the Twins another lefty in the ‘pen in a couple days since he needed some rest after making a spot start for the club on Wednesday. But since Perkins has started all season, it will likely take him some time before he’s able to pitch on back-to-back days.
The Twins will likely explore the trade market to see if they can find any left-handed relief help. Players must first clear waivers before they can be traded or teams can work out deals with another team if they win a waiver claim on a player.
As for Justin Morneau, there is still no timetable for the first baseman’s return. Morneau, who has been working out most days at Target Field, continues to experience some symptoms from the concussion he suffered on July 7 and he has yet to go through a full day symptom-free. That’s something that must occur for multiple days before Morneau can be sent out on a Minor League rehab assignment.
Manager Ron Gardenhire said that the club will take things slowly and make sure that Morneau doesn’t try to rush back and risk suffering more setbacks.
Kyle Gibson to Rochester; Blackburn update
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
CHICAGO — With right-hander Jeff Manship getting called up to Minnesota, the Twins moved 2009 first round pick Kyle Gibson up to Triple-A Rochester to take Manship’s spot in the rotation.
Twins Minor League director Jim Rantz said that the team made the move on Thursday to promote Gibson. And while it’s Gibson’s third stop this season, it will likely be his last.
Rantz said that the team plans to cap Gibson’s innings at around 150-160 this season and Gibson currently has thrown 136 1/3 in stints for Class A Fort Myers and Double-A New Britain this season. Gibson went 4-1 with a 1.87 ERA for Fort Myers and then went 7-5
with a 3.68 ERA for New Britain.
Right-hander Nick Blackburn pitched five scoreless innings in his third start for Triple-A Rochester on Thursday night, but Rantz said Blackburn planned to return home after the outing. Blackburn’s wife, Alicia, is expecting the couple’s first child. Rantz said they expect Blackburn to rejoin the team in time for his next start on Wednesday. In three starts for Rochester, Balckburn has posted a 1.10 ERA.
Manship up, Mijares to DL: Twins at White Sox 8/12
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
CHICAGO — The Twins have recalled right-hander Jeff Manship to take the roster spot of left-hander Jose Mijares, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday with a sprained right knee.
Mijares is set to undergo an MRI on his knee on Friday back in Minnesota.
J.J. Hardy is not in the lineup today, after leaving Wednesday night’s game in the seventh inning with a sore left wrist. Alexi Casilla, who pinch hit for Hardy on Wed, will get the start at shortstop.
I’ll have more injury updates on Hardy and right-hander Jon Rauch (sprained toe) after we talk to manager Ron Gardenhire later. Also, Kevin Slowey was scheduled to throw his bullpen session this afternoon and we’ll get updated on that.
Twins
(64-50)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Jim Thome, DH
Delmon Young, LF
Danny Valencia, 3B
Alexi Casilla, SS
Pitching: LHP Francisco Liriano
(10-7, 3.33 ERA)
White Sox
(64-50)
Juan Pierre, LF
Alexei Ramirez, SS
Alex Rios, CF
Paul Konerko, 1B
Carlos
Quentin, RF
A.J. Pierzynski, C
Dayan Viciedo, DH
Omar Vizquel,
3B
Gordon Beckham, 2B
Pitching: RHP Gavin Floyd (8-8, 3.49 ERA)
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