Cuddyer Has Finger Injury, Headed For X-Rays
Posted on April 4th, 2008 – 4:56 PMBy La Velle
Michael Cuddyer has been diagnosed with a dislocation and laceration of his right index finger and is headed for HCMC for further X-Rays.
He left tonight’s game in the third inning following a headfirst dive into third base.
Cuddyer was hustling from first to third on Justin Morneau’s RBI single and dove for the bag as Royals third baseman Alex Gordon caught a relay throw. Cuddyer held up his hand as he began to come off the field.
The Twins did not say if Cuddyer would land on the disabled list or not but he could need a few days to recover. Knowing him, he’ll try to play through it.
Matt Tolbert started at second base today for Brendan Harris, who apparently is the latest Twins player to catch the flu (I was trying to figure out why he had a jacket on inside the clubhouse). Going back to spring training, Rick Anderson, Randy Ruiz. Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey and now Harris have fell ill. What a bug.
Kevin Slowey is expected to be examined by a team doctor tonight. So we should find out after the game how the Twins will proceed with his biceps injury.
Update: Gardy said that Slowey definitely will miss his next start. His turn came up on an off-day so it’s not that big of a blow. However, Gardy added that Slowey may need seven to 10 days off. If it’s closer to 10, the Twins may need an arm from the minors. It still doesn’t mean that Franchise will replace Slowey. Franchise could need more than one Rochester outing anyway.
Heard from someone in Fort Myers that Liriano pitched around 91-92 mph during his outing on Thursday. He actually left the game with the lead but Cole Devries couldn’t keep a couple inherited baserunners from scoring. [Update: Gardy said in his pre-game presser that Liriano was 91-93].
The lineups:
Kansas City (3-0)
1. Joey Gathright, CF.
2. Mark Grudzielanek, 2B.
3. Alex Gordon, 3B.
4. Jose Guillen, RF.
5. Billy Butler, DH.
6. Mark Teahen, LF
7. Ross Gload, 1B.
8. John Buck, C.
9. Tony Pena, Jr. SS.
Twins (1-3)
1. Carlos Gomez, CF.
2. Joe Mauer, C.
3. Michael Cuddyer, RF.
4. Justin Morneau, 1B.
5. Delmon Young, LF.
6. Craig Monroe, DH.
7. Mike Lamb, 3B.
8. Matt Tolbert, 2B.
9. Adam Everett, SS.
112 Responses to "Cuddyer Has Finger Injury, Headed For X-Rays"
I prefer Tolbert over Harris. I don’t know about everyone else, but I am very disappointed in Harris. He just doesn’t have much range is very unnatural in the field. Also, Tolbert seems to actually work the pitcher a bit and I see that as a huge issue with our current lineup. We are letting starters go 7 innings without getting to 100 pitchers.
Oh look….Monroe is starting over the much more talented Kubel again….The double play machine (cuddyer) is still hitting 3rd….
The twins have a terrible manager that runs his team like a high school clique.
Justin Morneau is going to make somebody pay.
Umm…Who is on the HILL tonite for KC? C’mon LEN3 pick up your game.
Thanks La Velle for your service and reports re Slowey, Liriano, and the flu.
Ya gotta believe there’re others who have to be worn down some fighting this bug, if not succumbing to it like the above-mentioned in La Velle’s report.
Lastly, Craig will be happy re Tolbert. And I want nothing more than for Craig to be happy!
John Bale is on the mound for KC…
Folks, don’t get too up in arms about Mornoe’s start at DH. The Royal’s starter (John Bale) is a lefty
As for Tolbert at second. Is this a sign that he is abnove Punto?
I’m totally fine with him at 2B tonight, I think he’s done a great job this far.
Hopefully Baker can get a win tonight….
Without objection, the statement from the gentleman from SW MN (me) ranting about the absence of Kubel is hereby read into the record.
It’d be awesome if Baker could get the win since he is probably our two pitcher when healthy and Bale is number four for KC I think.
We need our offense to have a big game…
wish came true…i was just thinking how i would like to see tolbert start at 2nd….i would rather see delmon young in the 3 hole….hope the rest of the bats wake up….thats you, mr morneau
kubel>monroe
harris>tolbert
Re: Harris
He just doesn’t have much range
Actually, so far his range factor is 4.75, which is higher that Castillo’s last year (4.63). He made a couple of stunning plays including a nice diving stop yesterday. I would say from what I’ve seen so far (and I’ve seen every single game) his fielding is better that what I expected… He has a different style, that’s true, but he is effective. Re: Tolbert, I like it at the plate yesterday and I think that 2B is his natural position. Good think that he gets a start and I’d like to see how he will do batting righthanded
Justin just needs one big game to get going. Hopefully that’ll be tonight.
hard to say about Justin and tonight against a junkball lefty… he was hitless against him last year. I hope with goes 4-4 with 3 dingers, but…
Morneau for 12…Man I hope he gets off the shnied tonight.
Not sure I see starting Mauer tonight against a lefty if he’s just going to sit tomorrow against righty Gil Meche. Redmond is much better against lefties as well. Now if Mauer’s game for playing both halves of a night game/day game, great.
i am really beginning to wonder about joe vavras role in this minnesota offense…am i alone ….i dont want to think negative thoughts but its not something i can help right now, with this offense so anemic, and see the same damn thing from all the hitters…weak ground balls to short or 2nd, take your pick, and double plays..ive never seen so much of it and so consistent. its as though you can damn near predict when its going to happen….tell me im not nuts
I am not sure that I want to jump onto either bandwagon about Vavras yet, but if Delmon finishes the season with fewer than 20 HRs and Gomez finishes the season with fewer than 30 bunt hits, he has to go.
Harris,
I have to agree I’ve been pretty impressed thus far. Even though it’s only 4 games I like what I see and assume they’re just giving him a day off. Tolbert is interesting and I’m ok with him getting a few starts to see what he can do.
I was also much less pissed about Kubel not starting when I saw they’re going against a lefty, still a bit angry though.
another left that we can make look like sandy k…hope they can knock him out early…get into the bullpen- kc is on a roll..we need to shut them down a bit..funny how important games can become even this early in the season….
No excuse for Kubel not playing. Didn’t he hit a dinger yesterday? He needs to play everyday regardless if there’s a lefty on the mound. He’s the future. Monroe is the 2nd coming of Rondell White. Another boring retread on his last legs stealing atbats from the more talented and deserving Kubel. That kid will never develop under Gardenhire (idiot of the year).
Everett and Harris know they have to produce bc Gardy wont hesitate to play Tolbert . Harris may have just lost his starting job to the flu bug.
So…
Again, Monroe somehow finds himself in the lineup.
Great.
I’m glad to see Tolbert starting at 2B. I like Harris, but Tolbert has a better glove.
I’m impressed with the number of people who feel the need to report that Monroe is in the line-up. Thanks for reminding us 4 or 5 times.
Gardenhire’s an idiot, yet he’s taken less talent and done more with it consistently.
Can’t quite figure out how the guy is an idiot simply because you don’t like how he utilizes his players.
Some of the posts on here are amazing.Does anyone really think that Garenhire would or should change the plans for this team based on the first four games of the season? I’m as big a Kubel fan as anyone but the plan out of spring training was to get Monroe AB’s versus lefthandeders.Even last year during a horrible season he hit leftys fairly well.If after the first month things haven’t improved then we can start looking for changes.
This is going to be a mix and match season whether we fans like it or not.I guess the fact that #8 has only started one game isn’t god enough for some.Are we going to have to listen to 162 games of lineup grumbling? Enjoy the game folks.
“isn’t good enough”
Can’t quite figure out how the guy is an idiot simply because you don’t like how he utilizes his players.
Some people just don’t like to enjoy anything…and in some cases want to make sure that it’s hard for anybody else to try and enjoy it for themselves.
Whatever the case, Tolbert’s in the lineup (which I thought a lot of people wanted)
But nope, Cuddy and Monroe. Aside from the fact that it’s only been four games.
I suppose everbody thinks Morneau’s going to go 0-fer the season right?
why shouldn”t Monroe be ihnt ge lineup? hit the ball so far. don”t know why you all don’t like Harris. Been real good at second so far. I guess no one read leValle saying he was sick. Just so you all kno why tolbert is in the lineup!
win Twins!
due to break out!
How long is it going to take to move Delmon up into the 3 hole? I hope sooner rather than later.
Are we going to have to listen to 162 games of lineup grumbling? Enjoy the game folks.
That’s how it is anywhere these days. Those who complain state that a lack of compliments is somehow proof their in the right.
They fail to realize that those of us who don’t take issue don’t feel the need to post that we’re doing just fine every 5 minutes.
How long is it going to take to move Delmon up into the 3 hole? I hope sooner rather than later.
I’d say if Cuddy’s not hitting by the end of the KC series and Young keeps it up we’ll see the switch next week.
Some people just don’t like to enjoy anything…and in some cases want to make sure that it’s hard for anybody else to try and enjoy it for themselves.
Could you be any more self-righteous or hypocritical?
Have you ever stopped to think that perhaps your shtick doesn’t smell so rosy either?
T-You could be right about a Cuddy/Young switch, but then we’ll have to listen to some people here saying Gardy didn’t give Cuddy enough of a chance in the three hole!
Twins Fans should want to see what Tolbert can do starting at 2B. All I have heard since opening of ST when his name is mentioned is how he’s not even gonna make the team. Harris and Everett signed a 1 year deal for a reason they will be with the twins for 1 year.
I love that you all have zero expectations from me. I’m gonna jack it tonight and make you believers.
TwinsWin
The Twins traded for Harris for a reason. He is going to be on the team for more than a year. Casilla will probably take over at SS next year but I think Harris will be the starting 2B for the next couple of seasons as long as his offense is above average.
Twin fans are the best!!
According to Dickbert, Harris is out with the flu.
seems like Tolbert’s play cost the Twins a run on the top of the 1st
im not near a tv how did gomez score from 1st on a single by mauer
there would be nothing wrong with the cleanup hitter bunting in that situation, as far as im concerned, with the slump hes in it would have probably been beneficial for all– swings away & easy double play– you could just feel it coming…..damn,
He scored from second, Travis. After stealing it.
Why people want me in AAA?? Why not want me leadoff?? Carlos just want to score runs
thyr- you are correct, Tolbert made a very boneheaded play in the top of the first that cost a run… hope his hit here makes up for it and he settles down a little.
Bunting??? whats that eh??
Everett gonna be automatic out all year long.
Well Everette’s ave. is about .222 points above Morneau’s at this point. 
TwinsWin-
Harris has a couple years of arbitration left before he is a FA… he isnt going anywhere.
He signed a one year contract like Delmon Young, Fransico Lirano and Carlos Gomez did…
Lets see Morneau up 2 on 1 out
how’s that for a bunt
Who is number 33? Is he new?
Morneau RBI single maybe he will get on track
That is a broken finger on his right hand. Cuddy will be out for a while.
how bad is cuddyer hurt
Looks like I’m movin to the 3 hole
Young to right and in the 3 spot? Kubel and Monroe play everyday… maybe Pridie callup?
Magic cures all
Travis, his finger was bent sideways at the top knuckle… unless it was a little dislocation with no legament damage, he looks DL bound… it is his throwing hand.
Ryan W. you have no way of knowing if his finger is broken any more then anyone else that is watching, unless you are on a laptop from your seat on the 3rd base line.
Please be me
It looked to me like Cuddyer’s right index finger either got cut at the tip or he got his nail ripped off.
You could clearly see his finger was bent back at a nasty angle. It looked like a break, especially considering how it happened
i think Pridie will get called up if cuddyer goes on the DL because he can play all outfeild and span as far as i know has only played CF
I just rewinded it and it looks like its broken but it might be a dislocation.
good hitt Lamb
is sunday on tv ?
Well howeda, I have rewound my DVR about 12 times, there is a very unatural bend to his finger, the one he was looking at on the hand he was holding. And he was removed from the game. I think we can surmise that the finger was the problem. The shape of his finger looks to me like a break.
nice
Again it could be a dislocation… but his finger was not normal looking.
Either way a break or a dislocation could mean a trip to the DL since it is his throwing hand.
BTW… sweet suicide squeeze…
See, I work count
now me steal
My only point was none of the shots on tv were anywhere near good enough for anyone to proclaim ‘yep it’s broken, he’s out a while.’ Certainly his finger was injured, but we don’t know how bad.
i dont know if i like Kubel playing RF i rather have Young playing RF
that may be true, but there is a good enough shot to see his finger bent in a pretty crooked angle, I don’t exactly know what else it would be.
dano- I would guess the thought is that they want to get Young used to playing in LF in the dome… I would guess they may do this all season long when Cuddy isnt in the linup.
come on Scott i dont want to see any runs this inning for KC
ok, any second guessers about Gomez over Span?
btw, Cuddy’s finger seems to be dislocated (yes looks ugly) and most likely he will be back tomorrow.
I have rewinded it and looked at it 4 times and they give to shots and it doesnt look good.
If Mike Cuddyer’s finger is actually broken, don’t be suprised if he ends up on the DL.
that is what i was thinking thats why i think Pridie gets called up if Cuddyer goes on the DL
Did a little birdie tell you that Charlie?
Go
Tolbert
Mauer
Delmon
Morneau
Monroe - DH
Kubel - RF
Lamb
Everett
Leave Delmon in left he needs to get used to it. He will be there for the long haul anyway.
it’s funny seeing the tigers lossing there first four games
dislocation and laceration
Dislocation and laceration per Dick and Bert
Dislocation? Is that still a trip to the DL?
It depends on how bad it is and if there is any ligament damage.
young hits a homerun that a call
If there isnt any they will pop it back and he should be fine
Throwing hand that sucks. Could be a few weeks. Delmon just missed that one.
At least that means more at bats for Kubel.
If he can swing a bat, they could just DH him and have Kubel/Monroe rotate in RF
They could do that but it would take longer to heal if it would heal at all so they should just call up pridie and start kubel in right to give him some abs.
folks, dislocated fingers pop back in in minutes. It hurts like #$#( for 2 minutes and then its ok. He should be back out there tomorrow.
At least Baker appears to be healthy.
thrylos98, that’s not necessarily the case. The fact that it’s his throwing hand and there’s a laceration involved means it could be a while. Also, they’re taking for x-rays you never know what they’ll find. I’m hoping you’re right though.
Gomez now hitting a cool .450
laceration = skin broken; a cut. Not a biggie either.
Yeah, the laceration isn’t a big deal. The main thing will be if there is a broken bone or ligament damage.
If they can pop the dislocated finger in, hopefully no DL stint will be needed.
Two wins mostly due to Gomez. Too bad we didn’t listen to the guys who wanted Span. We might be 0-5.
Nice pitching boys. Way to finish ‘em Joe.
Keep the bats in the warm room. Here is the baton Livan.
Monroe should take his gross bat back from Young. There’s no reason to give him his bad carma at the plate.
go twins
Both wins have been in big part due to Gomez getting on and stealing bases to get into scoring position.
i think after the game dick said cuddyer had no ligament damage. just a dislocation and a cut. and yeah, knowing cuddyer he’ll probably play through it. but i wouldn’t be suprised to see him take tomorrow off.
gardy just said that it’s gonna be at least 2 weeks before he’ll be able to throw
ouch… thats harsh if its 2 weeks.. he should play dh though.. either monroe or kubel at rf
yah on the post game show on the radio he said it might be a dl situation
eh.. time to turn off the radio, ed schulz just came on!
If he can’t throw that means his finger is pretty bad, I’ve played baseball with hand injuries and as much as it hurt to throw it was harder to bat….. I think if its that series it will be DL bound…..
Seems Gardy will ahve to put Young in the 3 hole…maybe the offense takes off a bit and Mauer, Young, Morneau is our 2-4 the rest of the year.
How about Span leading off in CF.
Gomez plays RF bats 2nd against RHP, 3rd against LHP.
Mauer bats 3rd against RHP, 2nd against LHP.
Morneau stays 4th.
Delmon stays 5th in LF.
Kubel plays DH EVERY GAME.
Monroe occasionally plays RF when Gomez rests Span in CF.
Tolbert/Harris/Everett share SS-2B equally.
Gomez all the way!
