Return of LeCroy triggers many smiles

By Joe Christensen, Star Tribune

Last update: September 10, 2007 - 12:46 AM

CHICAGO - Riding their longest losing streak of the season, the Twins trudged into the clubhouse Sunday morning and found someone to put smiles on their faces.

Matthew LeCroy was back.

After batting only .194 for Class AAA Rochester this season, Le- Croy was promoted to replace Jose Morales, who was placed on the 60-day disabled list after spraining his left ankle Saturday.

LeCroy was a team favorite when he played for the Twins from 2000 to 2005. After spending last season with Washington, he returned for spring training but didn't make the Twins roster.

"They gave me the opportunity," LeCroy said before they ended their six-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the White Sox. "It just didn't work out the way I wanted it to work out, especially offensively."

LeCroy, 31, hopes to coach or manage someday, but he's in no hurry.

He said he might play winter ball after the holidays to get his swing going for spring training.

Joe Mauer returned to the lineup Sunday for the first time since Aug. 25 and didn't have a setback, despite having to run from first to home on Justin Morneau's run-scoring triple in the eighth inning. Mauer said he'll be back in the lineup tonight.

Chris Heintz will serve as Mauer's primary backup while Mike Redmond's injured finger heals. So LeCroy will be around mostly for insurance and comic relief.

"I want to help these guys out any way I can," he said, "and get some free meals from [Michael] Cuddyer."

Lessons for Casilla

After benching second baseman Alexi Casilla for the past four games, and six of the past eight, manager Ron Gardenhire said the rookie would likely play in Kansas City, where the Twins begin a three-game series tonight.

Gardenhire hoped Casilla would study the game from the bench, to cut down on his mental mistakes. Also, hitting coach Joe Vavra has worked on shortening Casilla's swing.

"Get him back out there and see if he's been paying attention," Gardenhire said. "He needs to step back and shorten his swing. Hopefully he's been watching how other guys [from both teams] put the ball in play."

The switch-hitting Casilla is batting .244 overall -- .324 from the right side, .182 from the left side.

Perkins is ready

Glen Perkins had another pain-free bullpen session and will be activated from the disabled list Tuesday.

Out since May 21 because of a strained muscle in his left shoulder, Perkins should be ready to pitch in a game by Tuesday.

With Dennys Reyes injured, and Carmen Cali coming off an abysmal outing Saturday, the Twins might be tempted to turn to Perkins as a situational lefthander, but Gardenhire said Perkins would likely stay in a long-relief role.

Thome hits No. 498

The Twins didn't give up Jim Thome's 500th career home run record this weekend, but they got him nice and close. He hit a home run in each of the three games, including a 419-foot shot to center field off Juan Rincon in the eighth inning Sunday.

Thome now has 51 of his 498 career homers against the Twins, the most against any opponent except Detroit, against whom he also has hit 51.

Joe Christensen • jchristensen@startribune.com

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