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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.
Twins-Pale Hose: Morneau to return, but when will Plouffe play again?
Posted by: La Velle E. Neal III Updated: July 23, 2012 - 6:23 PM
Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe remains out because of a bruised thumb, increasing the chances that he could land on the disabled list.
Plouffe tried to swing a bat on Monday but felt discomfort and was shut down. "He took two swings and walked back in," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Definitely not ready."
Speaking to reporters while his thumb was hooked up to an electrical stimulation machine, Plouffe said he did feel some improvement, but is not quite all the way back.
"It just wasn't where it needs to be yet," he said. "We tried another pad today to take some stress off that point, where the bat contacts my thumb area and it just didn't work today."
Plouffe said was scheduled to be visited by a White Sox physician before Monday's game, but the club could decide to place him on the disabled list if he needs a couple more days. Plouffe has not played since Friday, so the disabled list move could be backdated until then.
If Plouffe lands on the disabled list, the best third base option at Class AAA Rochester is Danny Valencia - and he hasn't been tearing things up. He's batting .249 with 7 homers and 46 RBI in 65 games.
But the Twins might have no other choice but to give Valencia another chance if Plouffe needs more time to heal.
No, they are not going to keep starting Jamey Carroll at third base.
MORNEAU UPDATE
Justin Morneau was scheduled to fly to Chicago on Monday and join the Twins in time for Tuesday's game against the White Sox . Morneau's wife, Krista, gave birth on Saturday to their second child, Martin.
Morneau was allowed to be away three days, per the league's paternity policy. Monday was his third day.
Chris Parmelee was called up to replace Morneau on the roster, but indications are that he will return to Rochester on Tuesday, where he can get steady at-bats.
Gardenhire tried to get Parmelee into the lineup on Monday, but he wanted to keep Ryan Doumit's bat in the lineup after two homers and four RBI on Sunday. Since Drew Butera is Francisco Liriano's catcher, Joe Mauer started at first base on Monday. So there was no room for Parmelee.
SCOUT SUMMIT
The scouts are slowly reporting to duty here tonight as Francisco Liriano prepares to face the Whtie Sox. Pitchers are starting to move, and Liriano could emerge as the best half-season rental available.
Justin Morneau's name is popping up in the rumor mill. But some teams, the Dodgers are definitely one of them, have reservations about his health hitstory and have him as a fallback option only.
Denard Span is attracting interest from teams. Heard the Marlins have looked in on him recently and, guess what, the Marlins have a scout here tonight. But Florida might be looking to sell then buy now.
Teams would like to move on Josh Willingham, but indications are that the Twins do not want to trade their right-handed thumper.
Etc.
Indications are that Jared Burton will be the choice to close tonight.
Twins (40-55)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Ben Revere, RF
3. Joe Mauer, 1B
4. Josh Willingham, LF
5. Ryan Doumit, DH
6. Brian Dozier, SS
7. Alexi Casilla, 2B
8. Drew Butera, C
9. Jamey Carroll, 3B
Pitching: LHP Francisco Liriano
White Sox (50-45)
1. Alejandro De Aza, CF
2. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
3. Adam Dunn, DH
4. Paul Konerko, 1B
5. Alex Rios, RF
6. A.J. Pierzynski, C
7. Dayan Viciedo, LF
8. Alexei Ramirez, SS
9. Gordon Beckham, 2B
Pitching: RHP Gavin Floyd
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