Twins: Catching help is on the way with Morales

By La Velle E. Neal III, Star Tribune

Last update: September 6, 2007 - 10:15 PM

The Twins will purchase the contract of catcher Jose Morales from Class AAA Rochester and have him available tonight for the start of a three-game series in Chicago against the White Sox.

Morales, who hit .311 for Rochester, is needed as a backup because of injuries to Joe Mauer (strained left hamstring) and Mike Redmond (strained ligaments in his left middle finger). Morales will fly in from his home in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

"I don't think things have really changed that much," Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said when asked about the injuries. "I think Redmond is the farthest one away, but he sounds like he should be OK."

Mauer injured his hamstring while running the bases on Aug. 25 and has made one appearance since -- as an emergency replacement for Redmond on Tuesday when Redmond aggravated his finger injury.

Morales is a switch-hitter who had only two homers in 108 games and needs to smooth out some rough edges defensively.

Blackburn impresses

Righthander Nick Blackburn was charged with two runs over three innings on Wednesday but still impressed manager Ron Gardenhire.

Blackburn, called up from Rochester earlier this week, has shown he's definitely a pitcher and not a thrower.

"Very deceptive," Gardenhire said. "Uses all of his pitches, went after hitters and was able to change speeds with his fastball. He understands a little about pitching and has all the pitches."

Blackburn was 7-3 with a 2.11 ERA at Rochester after being promoted from Class AA New Britain. He could be a candidate for the bullpen next season if there's no room in the rotation.

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

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