Tagged: Twins
Rain, Rain go away: Twins at Royals 4/24
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
KANSAS
CITY — A steady rain has been falling here at Kauffman Stadium for most of the afternoon but the expectation is that baseball will be played at some point tonight.
The rain hasn’t stopped some of the Twins pitchers from heading out on the field to play catch. There are also quite a few fans already in the stands, sitting underneath umbrellas. The Royals are expecting a high attendance tonight as it’s Zack Greinke bobblehead night. So they will likely have everyone sit here and wait things out awhile.
Infielder Luke Hughes has arrived in Kansas City and he was in the clubhouse this afternoon. The Perth, Australia native was very excited to earn his first Major League callup and I’ll have more on that in the Twins Beat a little later.
For now, here are the lineups:
Twins
(12-5)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando
Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Justin Morneau, 1B
Michael Cuddyer,
RF
Jason Kubel, DH
Delmon Young, LF
J.J. Hardy, SS
Brendan
Harris, 3B
Pitching: RHP
Nick Blackburn (1-1, 6.05 ERA)
Royals
(6-10)
David DeJesus, RF
Scott Podsednik, LF
Billy
Butler, 1B
Jose Guillen, DH
Alberto Callaspo, 2B
Rick Ankiel,
CF
Jason Kendall, C
Alex Gordon, 3B
Yuniesky Betancourt, SS
Pitching:
RHP Luke Hochevar (2-0, 2.89 ERA)
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Punto goes on the DL
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
KANSAS CITY — Nick Punto has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right hip flexor strain, the Twins announced today.
Punto, who was named the Twins starting third baseman just before the season started, has been battling a sore groin muscle and has not played since April 15. He was hoping that the injury would heal with some rest, but he said it’s been in a “stalemate” last four days so the decision was made to place him on the DL.
“It was one of those things where I thought it would be just a few days,” Punto said. “We’ve gone seven days and it hasn’t made a whole lot of progress.”
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–Punto is headed back to Minnesota on Saturday to get an MRI done on the area and make sure there is nothing more serious. In nine games this season, Punto is batting .269 with two doubles, a triple and an RBI. With Punto sidelined, Brendan Harris has taken over as the starter at third base.
Punto will be placed on the DL retroactive to Apr, 16, so he could return
May 1.
To replace Punto on the roster, the Twins
will recall infielder Luke Hughes from Triple-A Rochester. Hughes hit .267 with eight doubles in 12 games
for the Red Wings and will join the team on Saturday.
Welcome to Kauffman Stadium: Twins vs. Royals 4/23
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
KANSAS CITY — I arrived in lovely Kansas City this morning to a few rain showers. The sky is clear at the moment but there is a chance of rain is in the forecast all weekend so hopefully it will remain clear at game time.
Here is the Twins lineup for now. I’ll have more later.
Twins
(11-5)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando
Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Justin Morneau, 1B
Michael Cuddyer,
RF
Jason Kubel, LF
Jim Thome, DH
J.J. Hardy, SS
Brendan Harris, 3B
Pitching: RHP Carl Pavano (2-1, 4.96)
(Pitcher has been corrected, sorry for my forgetting to change it).
Royals (6-9)
David DeJesus, RF
Scott Podsednik, LF
Billy Butler, 1B
Jose Guillen, DH
Alberto Callaspo, 2B
Rick Ankiel, CF
Jason Kendall, C
Alex Gordon, 3B
Yuniesky Betancourt, SS
Pitching: RHP Gil Meche (0-1, 11.57 ERA)
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Going for the Sweep: Twins vs. Indians 4/22
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS — Joe Mauer is getting only his second day off of the season as the Twins go for the sweep of the Indians on Thursday afternoon.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said that he spoke with Mauer this morning and the catcher was feeling a little sore. So he decided it was a good time to give Mauer a rest. Drew Butera will make his second Major League start behind the plate.
J.J. Hardy is also getting a rest for the first time. Hardy said he could play despite having a little soreness in his knee, but Gardenhire felt it was an opportunity to give Alexi Casilla his first start of the season. Jim Thome is also in at DH, while Jason Kubel shifts to left field.
Pat Neshek threw in the bullpen and his sore right middle finger felt great. He’ll be available in an emergency today but he’ll truly be ready out of the ‘pen tomorrow.
Indians
(6-8)
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Grady Sizemore, CF
Shin-Soo Choo, RF
Travis Hafner, DH
Matt LaPorta, LF
Russell Branyon, 1B
Andy Marte, 3B
Luis Valbuena, 2B
Lou Marson, C
Pitching: RHP Mitch Talbot (1-1, 3.21 ERA)
Twins
(11-4)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando
Hudson, 2B
Jason Kubel, LF
Justin Morneau, 1B
Michael Cuddyer,
RF
Jim Thome, DH
Brendan Harris, 3B
Drew Butera, C
Alexi Casilla, SS
Pitching: RHP Scott Baker (2-1, 3.38 ERA)
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A chill in the air: Twins vs. Indians 4/21
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS — The spring chill has set in the air at Target Field tonight and after numerous days of summer like warmth, the Twins will get a little reminder of what spring usually feels like in the Upper Midwest.
Nick Punto is not back in the lineup as expected. Manager Ron Gardenhire said the cooler weather played a factor as Punto’s sore groin is feeling good but “not totally right.” So the plan is to rest Punto at least today and tomorrow, hoping that he’ll be ready when the Twins head on the road on Friday.
Pat Neshek (strained flexor tendon right middle finger) played catch and felt OK. The next step will be for him to throw a bullpen, which could happen tomorrow. So it still will be a couple days at least before Neshek is available.
The good news came with Nick Blackburn, whose sore right elbow felt great during his bullpen session today. So he’ll start on Saturday as scheduled.
Mike Redmond is in the lineup for the Indians tonight. I’m guessing he’ll get a very nice reception from Twins fans.
Indians
(6-7)
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Grady Sizemore, CF
Shin-Soo Choo, RF
Austin Kearns, LF
Travis Hafner, DH
Mark Grudzielanek, 2B
Jhonny Peralta, 3B
Matt LaPorta, 1B
Mike Redmond, C
Pitching: LHP David Huff
Twins
(10-4)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando
Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Justin Morneau, 1B
Michael Cuddyer,
RF
Jason Kubel, DH
Delmon Young, LF
J.J. Hardy, SS
Brendan
Harris,
3B
Pitching: LHP Francisco Liriano
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Welcome back Red: Twins vs. Indians 4/20
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS — After taking a few days off, I’m back at Target Field for the Indians series. The sun has been shining and temperatures once again hit the mid-70s today. Yes, you couldn’t ask for better baseball weather.
I’ll admit that the new ballpark is even having an effect on us writers. Covering games inside the Metrodome and missing the beautiful spring and summer weather in Minnesota took its toll over the course of a season. So now being here at Target Field on another fantastic day with the sun shining as the team takes BP, it certainly is a treat.
I got a chance to catch up with Mike Redmond today as he makes his return to the Twin Cities as a member of the Indians. Redmond’s humor and demeanor is certainly missed inside the Twins clubhouse and everyone seemed happy to get a chance to see him again. I’ll have more from Redmond later on the site.
As for news, Nick Punto (sore groin muscle)_ is not back in the lineup although he said it’s feeling much better. He was expected to go through all the pre-game activities today and could make his return to the lineup as soon as tomorrow.
Pat Neshek’s right middle finger (strained flexor tendon) is still a little sore so he didn’t throw today. But it’s feeling much better than it was so manager Ron Gardenhire said the club will wait to see how he’s feeling in the next couple days. The team is trying to give Neshek some extra time to let the finger heal.
Right-hander Nick Blackburn had an MRI on his sore right elbow today, but he said he was feeling better and planned to play some catch today.
Indians (6-6)
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Grady Sizemore, CF
Shin-Soo Choo, RF
Travis Hafner, DH
Jhonny Peralta, 3B
Russell Branyan, 1B
Austin Kearns, LF
Luis Valbuena, 2B
Lou Marson, C
Pitching: RHP Justin Masterson
Twins
(9-4)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando
Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Justin Morneau, 1B
Michael Cuddyer,
RF
Jason Kubel, DH
Delmon Young, LF
J.J. Hardy, SS
Brendan Harris,
3B
Pitching: RHP Kevin Slowey
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Jackie Robinson Day: Twins vs. Red Sox 4/15
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS — Target Field held up in the rain during Wednesday afternoon’s contest but while it was overcast and rainy this morning, the sky is clearing up just before game time so it should be a nice day for baseball.
Today is Jackie Robinson Day and baseball is celebrating the 63rd anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier in the sport. Throughout baseball, players will wear No. 42 in remembrance of Robinson and for guys like Denard Span and Orlando Hudson it’s indeed a special day.
As for Twins news this morning, Brian Duensing is considered to be a game-time decision because he has the stomach flu. Pat Neshek also has a strained flexor tendon in the middle finger of his right hand. Neshek was not going to throw today after throwing close to 40 pitches on Wednesday but the club will have to wait and see how his finger reacts in the coming days.
Otherwise, Jim Thome is in the starting lineup for the first time at Target Field. He’ll DH while Jason Kubel shifts to left field. Ron Mahay was also in the clubhouse this morning and the left-hander will be available for the game.
Red Sox (4-4)
Marco Scutaro, SS
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Victor Martinez, C
Kevin
Youkilis, 1B
Adrian Beltre, 3B
Mike Lowell, DH
J.D. Drew, RF
Bill Hall, CF
Jeremy Hermida, LF
Pitching: RHP Tim Wakefield
Twins
(6-3)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando
Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Justin Morneau, 1B
Michael Cuddyer,
RF
Jim Thome, DH
Jason Kubel, LF
J.J. Hardy, SS
Nick
Punto,
3B
Pitching: LHP Francisco Liriano
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Back to Baseball: Twins vs. Red Sox 4/14
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS — Now that the pomp and circumstance of Opening Day at Target Field is over, the Twins turn their focus truly back to baseball and getting comfortable at their new home.
Red Sox (3-4)
Marco Scutaro, SS
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Victor Martinez, C
Kevin Youkilis, 1B
David Ortiz, DH
Adrian Beltre, 3B
J.D. Drew, RF
Mike Cameron, CF
Jeremy Hermida, LF
Pitching: RHP John Lackey
Twins
(6-2)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando
Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Justin Morneau, 1B
Michael Cuddyer,
RF
Jason Kubel, DH
Delmon Young, LF
J.J. Hardy, SS
Nick Punto,
3B
Pitching: RHP Kevin Slowey
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Thome in the lineup: Twins at White Sox 4/10
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
CHICAGO — The Twins entered Saturday on a four-game winning streak and while some fatigue had set in from the club’s crazy travel schedule, the clubhouse was quite upbeat before the noon contest.
There is quite a bit for the club to be pleased about considering how the offense fared in Anaheim, their ability to pull out a close on in the first contest at Chicago and the fact that Monday will mark the official opener at Target Field.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire seems particularly pleased with his club’s defense over the first five games. They’ve yet to make an error and he called shortstop J.J. Hardy’s play “unbelievable” so far this season.
A win today and the club will guarantee a great roadtrip, as it would give them series wins in both Anaheim and Chicago. Scott Baker is on the mound for the Twins, Jim Thome is in the lineup as the DH and Joe Mauer is back behind the plate after not starting on Friday (although he scored the winning run after drawing a leadoff walk in the 11th).
Twins
(4-1)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando
Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Justin Morneau, 1B
Michael Cuddyer,
RF
Jim Thome, DH
Jason Kubel, LF
J.J. Hardy, SS
Nick Punto, 3B
Pitching: RHP Scott Baker
White Sox
(1-3)
Juan Pierre, LF
Gordon Beckham, 2B
Carlos
Quentin, RF
Paul Konerko, DH
Mark Kotsay, 1B
Alex Rios, CF
A.J. Pierzynski, C
Alexei Ramirez, SS
Mark Teahen, 3B
Pitching: RHP Freddy Garcia
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Thome’s return to Chicago: Twins at White Sox 4/9
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
CHICAGO — Jim Thome sat in the visiting dugout at U.S. Cellular Field this afternoon and greeted the Chicago media, many like they were old friends. It’s no surprise since the man is seriously one of the nicest people you’ll come across, not only baseball but perhaps any walk of life.
Thome will have to wait until at least tomorrow to get a start against his former club. With left-hander John Danks on the mound tonight, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire chose to stick with Jason Kubel as his DH and Delmon Young is in left field. However, Thome will be available off the bench to pinch-hit and Gardenhire has already said how much he enjoyed watching Joe Crede hit a home run in his return to U.S. Cellular Field last April.
Joe Mauer is getting his first night off of the season and that means Drew Butera will make his Major League debut tonight, catching Francisco Liriano. Even though Butera is a rookie, Gardenhire said he has plenty of confidence in the catcher’s ability to keep Liriano calm during his start.
With Mauer out of the lineup, J.J. Hardy is batting in the third spot. Hardy has certainly gotten off to a hot start, he enters Friday batting .313 with two homers, and Gardenhire felt good putting him at that spot.
Also, the team seemed pretty chipper this afternoon for having arrived in Chicago around 6 a.m. this morning. The team bus had to deal with rush hour traffic on their drive into the city, and Gardenhire even joked that he had to do a double take when he saw joggers out running as they arrived into town.
Twins
(3-1)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando
Hudson, 2B
J.J. Hardy, SS
Justin Morneau, 1B
Michael Cuddyer, RF
Jason Kubel, DH
Delmon Young, LF
Brendan Harris, 3B
Drew Butera, C
Pitching: LHP Francisco Liriano
White Sox (1-2)
Juan Pierre, LF
Gordon Beckham, 2B
Carlos Quentin, RF
Paul Konerko, 1B
Andruw Jones, DH
Alex Rios, CF
Omar Vizquel, 3B
Alexei Ramirez, SS
Donny Lucy, C
Pitching: LHP John Danks
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Kelly's Corner 