The Twins have signed Bobby Kielty to a minor-league contract and assigned him to Class AAA Rochester.

Kielty, 32, played for the Twins from 2001 to 2003 before getting traded to Toronto for Shannon Stewart on July 16, 2003. Kielty was released by Boston this season on July 12.

Kielty batted .228/.348/.391 with three homers and 18 RBI for Class AAA Pawtucket before his release. A switch-hitter, he hit a home run for Boston in Game 4 of last year’s World Series.

Update (3:50 p.m.): Michael Cuddyer is in the clubhouse, with his broken left foot in a walking boot. He said he’ll be on crutches for two or three more days but is hoping to begin his rehab program when the team leaves on its next road trip, Aug. 21.

Lineups below, updates to come…

Update (5:45 p.m.): On the last homestand, I asked Alexi Casilla what his chances of returning this season were, on a scale of 1-10, and he said six or seven. Today, he said it’s 10. He will get his splint taken off Wednesday and begin taking batting practice on Friday.

There could be a minor-league rehab stint next week, and barring a setback, Casilla could be back by the time the Twins leave on their next road trip.

In our last chat, Casilla said he could swing righthanded without pain but felt pain when he swung lefthanded. Today, he said he’ll be able to swing from both sides.

“Right now, I’m feeling pretty good,” he said.

Update (6:05 p.m.): Forgot to mention this, but Loek Van Mil, the 7-foot-1 righthander from Class A Beloit is at the Metrodome today. Van Mil was supposed to pitch for Holland in the Olympics but injured his right elbow during a bullpen session in Beijing.

An MRI exam showed a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament. Better than a full tear. Sounds like he might not need surgery. He’s in town to see the Twins doctors to confirm that.

Yankees (63-55)

1. Justin Christian, LF

2. Derek Jeter, SS

3. Bobby Abreu, RF

4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B

5. Xavier Nady, DH

6. Robinson Cano, 2B

7. Richie Sexson, 1B

8. Ivan Rodriguez, C

9. Melky Cabrera, CF

Starting pitcher: RH Sidney Ponson

Twins (65-52)

1. Denard Span, CF

2. Nick Punto, 2B

3. Joe Mauer, C

4. Justin Morneau, 1B

5. Jason Kubel, DH

6. Delmon Young, LF

7. Brian Buscher, 3B

8. Adam Everett, SS

9. Carlos Gomez, CF

Starting pitcher: LH Glen Perkins

Metrodome. First pitch: 7:10 p.m.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 11th, 2008 at 3:22 pm and is filed under Twins thoughts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.