Twins notes: Tandem's lack of punch is noted

By Joe Christensen, Star Tribune

Last update: June 16, 2007 - 1:31 PM

Oakland had the Bash Brothers. The Twins have Jason Tyner and Luis Castillo, small-ball kings of the modern world.

Tyner and Castillo now own the two longest streaks among position players in the major leagues without a home run, the Elias Sports Bureau confirmed Friday.

Tyner has yet to hit a home run in his major league career, a streak spanning 1,159 at-bats.

Castillo last homered on July 16, 2006, against Cleveland, and has gone 480 at-bats without a home run.

Oakland catcher Jason Kendall owned the second-longest streak without a homer, 619 at-bats, before going deep on Wednesday at Houston.

Tyner's streak has been well-publicized, but Castillo's has grown quietly. He actually has 23 career home runs, including a career-high six in 2003.

But as Castillo showed with his leadoff double that ignited Thursday's ninth-inning rally -- a cue shot down the third base line -- he doesn't try to hit home runs.

Castillo entered Friday batting .363 in his past 32 games and added a leadoff single in the first inning against the Brewers. He finished 1-for-4 and is hitting .332.

"I remember when I started playing, they said my job was to get on base," Castillo said. "I hit four or five home runs [in rookie ball] and hit like .250. They told me I should use my speed, hit the ball on the ground.

"I've had a good career, good on-base percentage."

Mauer returns to DH

After catching three consecutive games, Joe Mauer served as the designated hitter for the first time since May 4, the last time he played before going on the disabled list.

Mauer expressed concern about keeping his legs loose as a DH, but manager Ron Gardenhire said now that Mauer's left quadriceps muscle feels better, it shouldn't be an issue.

"I think we're past that," Gardenhire said. "At least that's what the trainers have told me."

Perkins update

Asked if Glen Perkins was a candidate for a starting spot, in light of Scott Baker's recent struggles, Gardenhire said: "He's going to be a ways away. I don't think we can wait for Perkins. He's going to be [sidelined for] a month plus. I don't think that's an option right now."

Perkins, who has been on the DL because of a muscle strain in his left shoulder since May 22, has resumed throwing and will rehab in Fort Myers, Fla., while the Twins are on their next road trip. Perkins could be activated for a relief role by June 26, but it would take several more days to build up enough arm strength to start.

Rabe lost for the season

Josh Rabe underwent season-ending surgery Thursday. Dr. James Andrews repaired a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Rabe, 28, batted .194 in 14 games before going on the DL on May 10. He is expected to recuperate in time for spring training.

Etc.

• Rondell White went 2-for-3 as the DH in a scrimmage against rookie minor leaguers in Fort Myers. After White's multiple setbacks, Gardenhire hasn't given a new timetable for his return from a strained left calf.

"He had mild soreness but made it through," Gardenhire said, adding that White will play in another scrimmage today.

• Nick Punto moved to shortstop, and Jason Bartlett was not in the lineup Friday. Gardenhire said he wanted to let Bartlett rest his sore neck, and this gave Luis Rodriguez a chance to play third base.

Joe Christensen • jchristensen@startribune.com

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