twins/mlb

Surgery could be Ford's next option

Lew Ford appears headed for more knee surgery. The Twins outfielder tried running on his injured right knee Saturday and quickly ended the workout.

"I'm going to have the doctor look at it again," Ford said. "It just didn't feel right."

Ford, who had arthroscopic surgery to repair his left knee this offseason, was diagnosed with torn meniscus in his right knee Wednesday. After getting a cortisone shot, he said he'd probably have another arthroscopic procedure if Saturday's workout didn't go well.

The typical recovery time for this type of surgery is two to six weeks.

"That's a last resort," General Manager Terry Ryan said.

OTHER INJURY NEWS

• Torii Hunter said he felt groggy one day after getting beaned by Kyle Lohse, but Hunter said he hopes to swing a bat today and play in Monday's 'B' game against Boston.

• Luis Castillo received treatment for his back injury, but manager Ron Gardenhire said "it's a muscle thing," meaning Castillo's spine is OK.

• Ken Harvey had fluid drained from his right knee Saturday and said he hopes to resume workouts early next week. He also has been limited by a pulled chest muscle.

• Infield candidate Alejandro Machado was scheduled to undergo an MRI exam on his ailing right shoulder, Gardenhire said.

• J.D. Durbin threw batting practice Saturday, and the Twins will likely have him do that two more times before appearing in a game late next week.

• Juan Rincon, who opted not to pitch against the Yankees on Thursday, plans to make his first spring appearance today.

AGENT WATCH

With Johan Santana, Joe Nathan and Hunter all candidates for contract extensions, it's notable that all three of their agents are circling Fort Myers.

Santana and his agent, Peter Greenberg, planned to have lunch Saturday. Nathan's agent, Dave Pepe, is expected to arrive in Fort Myers on Tuesday. Hunter's agent, Larry Reynolds, also visited this weekend, but as of Saturday there was no word of any new contract negotiations with the three players.

WHO'S HOT?

Randy Choate. Yes, it's been so bad, the nod here goes to Choate, who pitched into and out of a bases-loaded jam in the second inning. The Reds scored every inning in which they batted, except the second and seventh.