Starter wanted.
The Twins need a starter on Friday in Colorado and have a few options.
They could use rigthhander Samuel Deduno or righthander Anthony Swarzak, both long relievers. Swarzak might have an edge here, as GM Terry Ryan said last week that Deduno might have found his niche as an inning-eater in the bullpen. Lefthader Kris Johnson, 8-4, 2.75 at Rochester, is pitching on the same day as Nolasco and could come up for one start.
Nolasco is eligble to come off the DL on July 22. With the All-Star break, the Twins would just need someone to fill in on Friday. But if Nolasco needs longer to recover, the Twins might examine other options.
Going slow with Sano.
The Twins have decided to take things slow with third base prospect Miguel Sano, who has been cleared to begin a throwing program after having Tommy John surgery in March.
Sano will not race to try to play in late-season minor league games, and playing in the offseason Arizona Fall League. He could, however, participate in the second half of the Dominican winter league.
``They just don't want to risk any collisions, sliding into seond base, hitting his elbow,'' Antony said. ``I don't think they want him to compete before we get to the nine-month mark.''
Sano will spend the time in Fort Myers, Fla. working out at the Twins' year-round facility.
``Bascially we're going to keep him under control in the minors,'' Antony said. ``Continue to do everything to build him back up. He can work out and start getting his timing back but keep him out of harm's way.''
Etc.
Sam Fuld said his right hip was still a little sore, but was able to start in center field on Tuesday. Fuld hurt himself as he jumped at the wall in an attempt to rob Michael Saunders of a home run.
It's Bark at the Park night here, as fans were allowed to bring their dogs to the game. I'll just leave it at that.
La Velle E. Neal III has covered baseball for the Star Tribune since 1998 (the post-Knoblauch era). Born and raised in Chicago, he grew up following the White Sox and hating the Cubs. He attended both the University of Illinois and Illinois-Chicago and began his baseball writing career at the Kansas City Star. He can be heard occasionally on KFAN radio, lending his great baseball mind to Paul Allen and other hosts. Mark Rosen borrows him occasionally for WCCO-TV.
Phil Miller covered three seasons of Twins baseball, but that was at a different ballpark for a different newspaper. Now Miller returns to the baseball beat after joining the Star Tribune as the Gopher football writer in 2010, and he won't miss the dingy dome for a minute. In addition to the Twins and Gophers, Miller covered the Utah Jazz and the NBA for six years at The Salt Lake Tribune.
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As planned, Sano starts Monday and is off Tuesday for Fort Myers
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