Tagged: Twins
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)
A
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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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Perkins set to make debut: Twins at White Sox 8/11
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
Twins
(64-49)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Delmon Young, LF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Jason Kubel, DH
Danny Valencia, 3B
Jason Repko, F
J.J. Hardy, SS
Pitching: LHP Glen Perkins
(season debut)
White Sox
(63-50)
Juan Pierre, LF
Alexei Ramirez, SS
Alex Rios, CF
Paul Konerko, 1B
Carlos Quentin, RF
A.J. Pierzynski, C
Dayan Vicieido, DH
Omar Vizquel, 3B
Gordon Beckham, 2B
Pitching: LHP John Danks (11-8, 3.30 ERA)
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Tied with 50 games to go: Twins vs. White Sox 8/10
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
CHICAGO — After spending a week on vacation, I’ve rejoined the Twins in Chicago and what a time to get back on the beat.
With 50 games left in the season, the Twins and White Sox are tied atop the American League Central division and they’re set to begin a stretch of six games against each other in 10 days. In addition to those games, the two clubs will face each other only one more time — a three-game set in Chicago on Sept. 14-16.
So there is a lot on the line when these two teams face each other starting tonight.
As for news, manager Ron Gardenhire said that Justin Morneau did not travel to Chicago to join the team for batting practice as he decided to stay away from everything here and work out back at Target Field. He also reiterated that there was no setback. Morneau was scheduled to work out in the Twin Cities again today, although Gardenhire didn’t have an update since the workout wasn’t taking place until the afternoon.
Glen Perkins has joined the team in Chicago and will start Wednesday’s contest against the White Sox. A roster move will be made after the game, although it looks like infielder Trevor Plouffe will be headed back to Triple-A Rochester since Gardenhire said Alexi Casilla (ankle) was available for tonight’s contest.
Jim Thome’s family held a surprise 40th birthday party for him in Chicago on Monday night. Thome’s birthday isn’t until Aug. 27 but it was a chance for his current teammates along with other friends from the Chicago area to celebrate the big day.
And in a story that’s already on the website, the Twins have signed a two-year extension with ESPN 1500 to be their
metro-area radio affiliate. So the partnership will continue through at least the 2012 season.
Twins
(63-49)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Delmon Young, LF
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Jim Thome, DH
Danny Valencia, 3B
J.J. Hardy, SS
Pitching: RHP Scott Baker
(9-9, 4.70 ERA)
White Sox (63-49)
Juan Pierre, LF
Omar Vizquel, 3B
Alex Rios, CF
Paul Konerko, 1B
Mark Kotsay, DH
Alexei Ramirez, SS
Carlos Quentin, RF
Ramon Castro, C
Brent Lillibridge, 2B
Pitching: RHP Freddy Garcia (10-4, 4.54 ERA
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A little baseball on Trade Deadline day: Twins vs. Mariners 7/31
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS — Most of the focus today in baseball has been centered around the 3 p.m. CT non-waiver Trade Deadline.
But the Twins do have a big matchup against the Mariners tonight as well. They’ll face Felix Hernandez who is 4-3 with a 2.56 ERA in 10 career starts against the Twins.
Here are the lineups:
Mariners
(39-65)
Ichiro Suzuki, RF
Chone Figgins, 2B
Casey Kotchman, 1B
Russell
Branyan, DH
Franklin Gutierrez, CF
Michael Saunders, LF
Josh
Bard, C
Matt Tuiasosopo, 3B
Jack Wilson, SS
Pitching: RHP Felix Hernandez (7-7, 2.86 ERA)
Twins
(57-46)
Denard Span, CF
Alexi Casilla, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Delmon Young, LF
Jim Thome, DH
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Jason Kubel, RF
Danny Valencia, 3B
J.J. Hardy, SS
Pitching: RHP Kevin Slowey
(9-5, 4.76 ERA)
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Trade Deadline passes
By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS — Today’s 3 p.m. CT non-waiver Trade Deadline has passed and it appears that the Twins did not make any additional moves, having already acquired closer Matt Capps late on Thursday night.
In addition to seeking bullpen help, the Twins had also been on the lookout for a starting pitcher. The rumor mill was quiet on Saturday in regards to the Twins, although the common thought in the days leading up to the deadline was that prices for starting pitchers were too high for the Twins.
Of course this doesn’t mean that the Twins are done making moves to help the club down the stretch. While the non-waiver deadline has passed, teams still have an opportunity to acquire players in August. But deals involving
players on the 40-man roster cannot be made unless the players have
already cleared waivers. In other words, the player must be offered to
the other teams in reverse order of the standings, and if he is claimed
by one of the teams, he cannot be traded. The club that placed the
player on waivers can either withdraw the request and keep the player,
let the player go to the claiming team, or work out a trade with the
claiming team.
Last year the Twins were one of the busiest teams in August– acquiring Carl Pavano and Jon Rauch in waiver trades while signing reliever Ron Mahay to a contract after he was released by the Royals.
We’re scheduled to speak with Twins GM Bill Smith a little later this evening so I”ll have more later.
Kelly's Corner 