Morneau makes slight progress; questionable for opener

Posted on April 3rd, 2009 – 4:00 PM
By Joe Christensen

BRADENTON, FLA. — Twins first baseman Justin Morneau worked out on the field today in Fort Myers, Fla., but did not swing a bat, leaving him questionable for Monday’s season opener.

Morneau hasn’t played in a game since Monday. He tweaked something in the middle of his back Tuesday with a swing during batting practice. With lingering stiffness, Morneau did not return to the field until today.

Before today’s game against Pittsburgh, Manager Ron Gardenhire acknowledged the team would have to consider a disabled list stint for Morneau if they didn’t see progress.

“I think today will tell me a little more,” Gardenhire said. “If he’s still feeling the effects today, where he’s not really doing much, then you start wondering what are we going to do here roster-wise? Are we going to have to do something with him too, to start the season?”

The Twins, who already have Joe Mauer and Scott Baker on the DL, will play their final spring training game Saturday against Pittsburgh. It’s unlikely Morneau will play against the Pirates, since he hasn’t taken batting practice since Tuesday.

Still, once Gardenhire heard Morneau had returned to the field, he seemed relieved.

“He felt better today,” Gardenhire said.

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