Twins: White will stay on DL; Jones might be called up

By Joe Christensen, Star Tribune

Last update: July 10, 2007 - 11:17 PM

SAN FRANCISCO - The Twins canceled plans to activate Rondell White from the disabled list Tuesday after he had another injury setback, and there were hints Garrett Jones would join the team Thursday as a designated hitter.

White was scratched from a Gulf Coast League game Tuesday because of a sore hamstring. Before coaching first base at the All-Star Game, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said White's flight reservation to Minnesota had been canceled.

The Twins had sent lefthander Carmen Cali to Class AAA Rochester to clear room for White.

Asked if the team would recall a third catcher, such as Chris Heintz, Gardenhire said he'd prefer to add a DH. "I'd like to have another hitter, a DH be a threat," Gardenhire said. "Probably a guy who can drive the ball. You guys can figure out who that might be."

Jones went 1-for-8 in four games for the Twins in May, and he's batting .295 with 11 home runs and 58 RBI for Rochester.

White has missed all except three games this season because of a torn right calf muscle. He has spent the past two months working out at the Twins' year-round facility in Fort Myers, Fla.

He started an official minor league rehabilitation assignment a couple of weeks ago but has been unable to play in the outfield for consecutive games.

Etc.

• The Twins' rotation coming out of the break will be Scott Baker, Johan Santana, Carlos Silva, Boof Bonser and Matt Garza.

• Twins lefthander Glen Perkins will pitch today for the rookie Gulf Coast League team. Perkins, who has missed seven weeks because of a muscle strain near his shoulder, will make stops throughout the Twins minor league system as he builds up arm strength, and indications are he will return to starting.

• Righthander Kevin Slowey, who was sent to Rochester last week, will start for Rochester on Thursday.

Staff writer La Velle E. Neal III contributed to this story.

Joe Christensen • jchristensen@startribune.com

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