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Gomez wants to play today

By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune

Last update: May 4, 2008 - 12:34 PM

The Twins rested center fielder Carlos Gomez on Saturday, as he came to the Metrodome with a headache one day after getting hit on the head stealing second base.

Gomez said he wants to play in today's series finale against Detroit, but Twins third base coach Scott Ullger said Gomez might sit again.

The Twins are off Monday, which would give Gomez a full three-day break before they open a series in Chicago on Tuesday.

As Gomez slid headfirst into second base, the throw from Tigers catcher Ivan Rodriguez drilled him in the helmet, near the left ear flap. Gomez also hit his head against second baseman Placido Polanco's leg.

Team physician Dr. Vijay Eyunni examined Gomez in the clubhouse and cleared him to go home. Gomez was diagnosed with a contusion, not a concussion.

General Manager Bill Smith said the team continues to monitor Gomez but has not felt the need to have him undergo a CT scan.

Strikeout goal

Gomez was in good spirits before Saturday's game, as he sat on a clubhouse couch, leafing through a magazine.

In his past five games, he has only one strikeout and has lifted his on-base percentage from .258 to .299. This, after striking out 24 times in his first 20 games.

"The first month, I struck out 24 times; I can get that to 10 [per month]," he said. "That's what I want to do. When I get on base, I change the game."

Said Twins hitting coach Joe Vavra: "That's good he's talking about it. That shows me he's getting it. ... We've been on him about cutting down his swing and trying to keep his feet underneath him. It's a process. It's going to time."

Gardenhire update

Today is Ron Gardenhire bobblehead day, but the manager will miss the festivities.

The funeral for his brother, Mike Gardenhire, is scheduled for Tuesday in Okmulgee, Okla.

Ron Gardenhire likely will rejoin the Twins on Wednesday.

Ullger, who is managing in Gardenhire's place, said he spoke to the skipper by phone Saturday and told him: "Do what you've got to do. There's things that are more important than playing a baseball game."

Lamb moves up

With Gomez out, the Twins moved Brendan Harris into the leadoff spot, and Mike Lamb jumped from No. 8 to No. 2 in the batting order.

Ullger said he hoped the lefthanded-hitting Lamb could pull the ball through the hole between first and second base if Harris reached.

Lamb entered the game batting .202 but had two hits in his first three at-bats Saturday, scoring the first run of the game.

"He's a veteran guy," Ullger said. "He knows not to try to do too much, just because he switched spots in the lineup."

Detroit move

Detroit placed righthander Denny Bautista on the 15-day disabled list because of right shoulder tendinitis, purchasing the contract of righthander Freddy Dolsi from Class AA Erie to take his place on the roster.

Bautista left Friday night's game in the eighth after giving up three runs on four consecutive hits. He got ahead 0-2 on Lamb, but then summoned team trainers to the mound.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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