Continued: Casilla goes on DL; Everett stays

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Twins second baseman Alexi Casilla, one of the reasons behind the Twins' surge into contention in the American League Central, has been placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a torn ligament in his right thumb.

Casilla will be examined by hand specialist Dr. Tom Varecka today, after he jammed the thumb sliding into second base Monday night. The Twins hope it's not as severe as the torn ligament suffered by infielder Matt Tolbert, who hasn't played since May 15.

"We're losing a lot with Lexi," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He's been pretty important."

The Twins were averaging 4.3 runs per game and were 21-22 when Casilla was called up in May and inserted at second base. Since then they have averaged 5.4 runs a game and have gone 38-25.

To replace Casilla, the Twins will activate shortstop Adam Everett from the 15-day disabled list. They told Everett earlier Tuesday that they wanted him to accept an assignment to Class AAA Rochester -- or they might have designated him for assignment. After learning of Casilla's injury, the Twins called Everett back.

In 25 games, Everett batted .189 with one homer and seven RBI. He spent two stints on the disabled list because of a strained right shoulder and has taken at least three shots of cortisone for it.

Everett spent several weeks in the minors to complete his recovery before beginning a 20-day rehabilitation assignment. He played games at rookie league, Class A Fort Myers and Rochester. He batted .316 in five games with Rochester as he completed his rehab assignment.

"We know he can catch the ball," Gardenhire said of Everett, who hasn't played in the majors since May 21.

But Gardenhire also knows they are losing offense at the top of the order without Casilla. Nick Punto will replace Casilla at second base. Everett's return allows Gardenhire to keep using Brendan Harris at third base against lefthanded pitchers.

"That's going to be a big hit," Twins first baseman Justin Morneau said of losing Casilla. "Somebody's going to have to step up and do the job. He's been great since he's been up here. He's seen a lot of pitches in the No. 2 spot, getting on base, running around, playing unbelievable defense."

Casilla, Tolbert, Punto and Michael Cuddyer all have had finger/hand injuries this year.

"Can't do anything about it," Gardenhire said. "I guess this is the [injury] for this summer. Hopefully, we're about through it."

Bullpen help watch

The Detroit Tigers, whose bullpen is a mess, also have expressed interest in righthander LaTroy Hawkins. The Twins have talked internally about adding Hawkins, who was designated for assignment by the Yankees on Saturday.

Another reliever who's believed to be available is Seattle righthander J.J. Putz, who has a 4.50 ERA and seven saves in 24 appearances. But he spent nearly a month on the disabled list earlier this year because of a hyperextended elbow. Putz saved 76 games between 2006 and 2007.

Etc.

• The Twins have signed 30th-round pick Mike Tonkin, a righthander from Palmdale (Calif.) High. He's also the brother-in-law of Twins outfielder Jason Kubel.

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