MINNEAPOLIS — Twins first baseman Justin Morneau was scheduled to be held out of the lineup for the sixth consecutive day with the flu before rain wiped out Friday’s contest against the Indians.
the rainout came as welcome news for Morneau, who said he could make his return to the lineup on Saturday despite also having a cortisone shot in his neck on Friday for unrelated pain in one of his vertebrates.
“I hope so,” Morneau said about a possible return to action on Saturday. “That’s the goal. We’ll see, but it’ll be tough because we won’t be on the field able to run around [with a 12:10 p.m. start].”
the injection in his neck, which Morneau has had in the past, came after Morneau began experiencing discomfort in his neck prior to getting the flu. But Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Morneau had the shot because he was expected to be out of action on Friday regardless.
“It’s a one-day deal and he’d be available [Saturday] anyways,” Gardenhire said. “So the shot is really no big deal.”
Young’s MRI shows no damage
MINNEAPOLIS — Left fielder Delmon Young underwent an MRI on his sore ribs on Friday, and the results came back showing no damage, according to Twins manager Ron Gardenhire.
Young also took batting practice prior to Friday’s game being called due to rain and felt just fine. It was an important step, because if he felt any soreness, he was expected to be placed on the 15-day disabled list.
“It went perfect,” Gardenhire said.
Young, who also has been battling flu-like symptoms, originally injured his ribs during batting practice earlier in the week in Baltimore.
Mauer’s recovery coming along well
MINNEAPOLIS — Catcher Joe Mauer is feeling better after batting a viral infection this week and is progressing in his recovery from soreness in his knees, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Friday.
Mauer, who is on the disabled list with bilateral leg weakness, is still battling the flu but has continued to do workouts in the pool to build strength in his knees. But his prognosis continues to get better, as Gardenhire said the hope is that once the flu subsides, he’ll get the strength back in his legs.
“When he first started he was sore all over — from the knees, to the shoulder, to the elbow and it was all thought to be caused from some weakness in his leg,” Gardenhire said. “But we found out that a viral infection caused a lot of it. I’m not a doctor so we just need to get him past this flu bug and then see where he’s at and go from there.”
‘Pen coach Stelmaszek rejoins club
MINNEAPOLIS — Twins bullpen coach Rick Stelmaszek joined the club on Friday at Target Field for the first time this season after undergoing four surgeries over the offseason and Spring Training to reattach the retina in his right eye.
Stelmaszek, who is in his 31st season with the Twins, was temporarily replaced by Minor League coach Phil Roof before getting the OK from the doctors to join the Twins for Friday’s game that ended up as a rainout.
“It’s great,” Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said of Stelmaszek’s return. “Honestly, it’s a lot of fun. he dishes it out as much as he takes it, and he’s been taking a lot today. Guys are having fun with him. It’s good to see him back. He’s excited.”
Rain puts Earth Day caps on hold
MINNEAPOLIS — the Twins and Indians were both scheduled to sport green caps on Friday in recognition of Earth Day before rain postponed the game.
the Twins are certainly an environmentally friendly club, as Target Field was awarded LEED Silver Certification last year by the U.S. Green Building Council. Additionally, the Twins partner with Minnesota State Parks and Trails and any time an opposing player breaks his bat this season, the Minnesota State Parks and Trails will plant 100 trees in one of the 73 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas or along one of the 21 Minnesota state trails.
“We honor the power of sport by leading through example, and we will continue to use sport to inspire, build the best fan experience and cause no unnecessary harm, working with our fans, community, suppliers, partners and employees to have a positive influence in the world,” the Twins said in a statement.