Everett goes on DL; Buscher is called up

Twins shortstop Adam Everett has been bothered by a sore shoulder.

By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune

Last update: April 19, 2008 - 9:29 PM

Twins shortstop Adam Everett didn't want to use his sore right shoulder as an excuse for his slow start both offensively and defensively this year.

On Saturday, the Twins eased that burden, placing him on the disabled list and promoting infielder Brian Buscher from Class AAA Rochester to fill the roster spot.

After signing a one-year, $2.8 million contract, Everett is batting .185 with a .222 on-base percentage, and he also has three errors in nine games.

Everett is a .247 career hitter, but when he played for Houston, he was considered one of the better defensive shortstops in the National League.

A magnetic resonance imaging exam Wednesday revealed no structural damage in Everett's shoulder. He was diagnosed with tendinitis.

Everett hasn't played since Monday, so he is eligible to return April 30, but manager Ron Gardenhire said Everett won't be throwing or swinging a bat until he's pain-free.

"Like I was telling Gardy, I don't feel like anybody's seen me really play yet because I don't feel like I've been 100 percent healthy," Everett said. "So maybe I can get back and show you guys that I can actually play the shortstop position."

Everett said he'd never had a previous arm injury, shoulder or elbow. "That's why it's a little shocking for me," he said.

Buscher gets his chance

Buscher seemed to have a strong chance of making the Opening Day roster before a long slump dropped his spring-training average to .143.

He recovered quickly at Rochester, however, batting .345 with four home runs and 11 RBI in 15 games.

Most of his playing time with the Red Wings has come at first base -- six games compared to only three at third. Matt Macri has been getting most of the playing time at third.

Gardenhire said Buscher likely will play third base today, with Mike Lamb at first, giving Justin Morneau a chance to DH.

Bass feels better

Twins righthander Brian Bass, who left Thursday's game because of lower-back tightness, pitched a full bullpen session Saturday and was available to pitch in the game.

The Twins had considered promoting a pitcher to replace Everett if Bass hadn't been back to full strength.

Cuddyer plans rehab

Michael Cuddyer is eligible to come off the DL today, but with his dislocated right index finger still healing, the right fielder will fly to Fort Myers, Fla., to begin working out with the Twins' Gulf Coast League affiliate.

Cuddyer is targeting a Friday return.

Etc.

• Matt Tolbert fouled a ball off his left foot Friday, and Gardenhire mentioned that as part of the reason he started Nick Punto at shortstop Saturday. Punto also was batting .316 (9-for-16) for his career against Cleveland starter Jake Westbrook.

• Jesse Crain pitched two scoreless innings Friday, and Gardenhire said the righthander, returning from 2007 shoulder surgery, is close to being able to pitch on back-to-back days. Gardenhire said it might happen on the Twins' upcoming road trip to Oakland and Texas.

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