Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer, on a rehab stint at Class AAA Rochester,  was hit in the left foot with a line drive during tonight’s game, suffering a fractured second metatarsal bone

He will remain in Rochester tomorrow before returning to the Twin Cities for further evaluation.

Here’s how it was explained to me in an e-mail from Rochester beat writer Jim Mandelaro of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle:

A freak play in the second inning Friday night sidelined Red Wings outfielder Michael Cuddyer, who was playing his fourth game of a rehab stint from the Minnesota Twins.

Cuddyer drew a walk from Indianapolis pitcher Ross Ohlendorf and was leaning off first base when Garrett Jones lined a hard shot off Cuddyer.

The play was ruled a single for Jones and runner’s interference charged to Cuddyer, resulting in an out.

More importantly, it forced Cuddyer to leave the game with a bruised left foot.

Of course, there will be more on this later….

Twins infielder Alexi Casilla received good news on Friday when he was examined by hand specialist Dr. Tom Varecka. His torn right thumb ligament has improved enough to to believe he can return in a couple weeks or so.

He will wear a splint on his right thumb for another week, then resume baseball activities. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he doesn’t expect Casilla to have to go on a minor league rehab assignment. If that’s the case, and Casilla only needs a few days of work, he should be ready to go by the time the Twins begin their convention road trip on Aug. 21. 

It’s huge news for the Twins, who were worried Casilla was done for the season.

Craig Monroe has cleared waivers and has been released by the club.

Michael Cuddyer tonight is scheduled to play in his fourth game for Class AAA Rochester. He’s still on track to return to the club in time for Monday’s series opener against the Yankees.

Brendan Harris is the lineup because he’s been swinging a hot bat.

Funny moment in the clubhouse before the game. The first lineup card had Young at DH and Kubel in left, which was a mistake. Gardenhire walked out of his office to tell the players about the mistake.

Mike Lamb and Adam Everett both pretended to be relieved that Kubel wasn’t playing in the field. “Everyone can calm down, now,” Lamb said loudly. “Kubel is DH-ing.” 

Lineups

Twins (63-51):  1. Denard Span, RF. 2. Nick Punto, 2B. 3. Joe Mauer, C. 4. Justin Morneau, 1B. 5. Jason Kubel, DH. 6. Delmon Young, LF. 7. Brendan Harris, 3B. 8. Adam Everett, SS. 9. Carlos Gomez, CF. Pitching: Kevin Slowey.

Royals (53-62): 1. Mike Aviles, SS. 2. Mark Teahen, RF. 3. David DeJesus, CF. 4. Jose Guillen, LF.5. Billy Butler, DH. 6. Alex Gordon, 3B.7. Miguel Olivo, C. 8. Ross Gload, 1B. 9. Esteban German, 2B. Pitching: Kyle Davies.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 8th, 2008 at 5:51 pm and is filed under Game threads. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.