Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was on the field early today with Matt Tolbert, Trevor Plouffe and Michael Cuddyer, working on double plays and other things. Tolbert gets the start at short today.
Tsuyoshi Nishioka has a hit in each of his last four games and has made more solid contact lately, but he's starting today on the bench.
UPDATES
Barring any more injuries, Gardenhire is looking at tough daily lineup decisions when Justin Morneau returns from the disabled list. He pointed out that playing first base has allowed Joe Mauer to remain in the lineup after getting beat up behind the plate. That option won't be there as much when No. 33 returns.
``How many times you'll be able to play Mauer at first base with Morneau (here)?" Gardy asked. ``If you're going to DH Mourny a few times and play Mauer at first base you can do that to give Mourny a break every once in awhile.
``It's going to be interesting. Do I put Cuddy at short to keep his bat in the lineup? I'll entertain myself again."
Gardenhire did say that Mauer playing first base has, ``helped him immensely. And knowing that will help him next year and down the road."
That was a joke.....we think.
