Twins pregame: Cuddyer activated and available

Posted on September 13th, 2008 – 2:07 PM
By Joe Christensen

BALTIMORE — The Twins activated Michael Cuddyer from the disabled list, and he is listed among the righthanded hitters available off the bench for Game 1 of this doubleheader against the Orioles.

Manager Ron Gardenhire said Cuddyer is running at about 60-70 percent, as he recovers from the broken bone in his left foot, suffered Aug. 8.

Cuddyer said his foot pains him to run but he has been assured he won’t reinjure himself — unless he gets hit with another line drive.

Gardenhire said he would pinch run for Cuddyer if he reaches base.

With the minor-league affiliates done and instructional league a week away, this might be the best way to let Cuddyer face live pitching. If one of these games turned into a blowout, Cuddyer could get an at-bat.

(*) It’s mostly sunny here now but showers are in the forecast through the evening. So we’ll see how much baseball these teams can play.

(*) FSN is beginning its coverage at 6 p.m., joining Game 1 in progress. On Saturday’s Fox has an exclusive window for its national games of the week, so FSN has to wait that out.

(*) Gardenhire said his plan is to have Joe Mauer catch Game 1 and sit Game 2, with Justin Morneau getting a chance to DH in Game 2.

(*) Gardenhire said he is open to bringing back Scott Baker on three day’s rest to pitch Wednesday, but that will depend on how today’s start goes and how Baker feels physically. Gardenhire sounded more inclined to use Baker on Wednesday than Philip Humber or Boof Bonser.

Twins (80-66)

1. Denard Span, RF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Jason Kubel, DH
6. Delmon Young, LF
7. Brian Buscher, 3B
8. Nick Punto, SS
9. Carlos Gomez, CF
Starting pitcher: RH Scott Baker (8-4, 3.66 ERA)

Orioles (65-80)

1. Brian Roberts, 2B
2. Nick Markakis, RF
3. Melvin Mora, 3B
4. Aubrey Huff, DH
5. Ramon Hernandez, C
6. Luke Scott, LF
7. Kevin Millar, 1B
8. Jay Payton, CF
9. Brandon Fahey, SS
Starting pitcher: Daniel Cabrera (8-9, 5.26 ERA)

Camden Yards. First pitch: 4:05 p.m.

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