Harvey won't be of help any time soon

When designated hitter Ken Harvey flied out as a pinch hitter in Tuesday for Class AAA Rochester, it was his first game since June 2005.

By La Velle E. Neal III, Star Tribune

Last update: May 12, 2007 - 8:07 PM

When designated hitter Ken Harvey flied out as a pinch hitter in Tuesday for Class AAA Rochester, it was his first game since June 2005.

And his next game may not be for a while.

After a spring in which he pulled a chest muscle and later needed surgery on his right knee, Harvey's Rochester stint ended after one game when the knee acted up and has been sent back to Fort Myers, Fla., for more rehabilitation.

It's a blow to Harvey, who had back problems in 2005 and ruptured his Achilles' tendon and missed all of last season. Already husky when he reported to camp, Harvey gained weight because he couldn't work out because of the knee.

"It's very disappointing," said Rob Antony, the Twins director of baseball operations and contracts. "He just can't get healthy."

It's a blow to the Twins, who may have called up Harvey, the Royals' All-Star in 2004, to help against lefthanders by now.

System check

• A couple of unheralded middle infielders are lighting it up. Matt Tolbert, a 16th-round pick in 2004, entered the weekend leading the International League with a .375 batting average while playing second base and shortstop for Class AAA Rochester. Felix Molina, a second baseman at Class AA New Britain, entered the weekend batting .318 in his first year batting solely lefthanded after being a switch hitter his first six seasons in the organization.

• A total of six players were suspended three games each and fined $300 apiece for their actions during a brawl between New Britain and Trenton last week. New Britain players Brock Peterson, J.P. Martinez and Luke Hughes were serving their suspensions over the weekend.

La Velle E. Neal III • lneal@startribune.com

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