Nelson Cruz is OK as Twins set lineup for exhibition opener

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Nelson Cruz entered the Twins clubhouse Thursday with his left wrist wrapped up, the result of being plunked by a pitch during batting practice on Wednesday.

But Cruz got dressed for the workout like it was business as usual.

"It's going to be fine," he said.

Cruz was hit by righthander Cody Stashak, who walked one batter in 25 innings last season after being called up to the majors. The ball struck the area where a tendon used to be. That tendon ruptured last season as Cruz took a swing, but he was able to avoid a lengthy stay on the injured list at the time.

So far, that's the closest the Twins have gotten to having a concerning camp injury. Sergio Romo has been taking it easy with a slightly sore left shoulder while Rich Hill continues to rehab following offseason surgery.

Chatted with Royce Lewis for a while today. He's leading off tomorrow for the Twins against the Gophers in an exhibition game here at Hammond. A year ago, Lewis didn't get a chance to show what he can do because of a nagging oblique strain. This year, he's healthy and has added 25 pounds of muscle.

Lewis has tried to add a few pounds each offseason by taking in more calories as he works out. He didn't anticipate the spurt he had this offseason, but his shoulders are broader and his biceps are bulging this spring.

The Gophers will fly back to the Twin Cities immediately following the game because they have a series with TCU that begins on Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Minnesota will not bring three of their top pitchers -- Max Meyer, Patrick Frederickson and Sam Thoresen -- to Fort Myers.

Etc.
• Righthander Sergio Romo threw in the bullpen on Wednesday and appears to be over the mild left shoulder separation that led the Twins to keep him from getting on a mound.

• Righthander Kenta Maeda threw a 42-pitch bullpen session on Thursday, with teammates Jake Odorizzi and Michael Pineda providing support and intel on some hitters he will face.

Let's meet
Charlie Barnes, pitcher
Age: 24
2019 Stats: 6-6, 2.81 ERA in 23 starts for Fort Myers.
Acquired: Selected in the fourth round of 2017 draft.
Role: Lefthanded starter at Class A Fort Myers or Class AA Pensacola.
Did you know: Barnes doesn't throw hard, touching around 90 miles per hour. He thrives on precision and a quality changeup that floats in around the 75-77 mph range. He also mixes in a slider and curveball. Barnes graduated from Clemson in three years with a degree in parks, recreation and tourism management. He's the 16th member of his family to earn a degree from the university.