Team: Casilla to resume work soon

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: August 9, 2008 - 12:34 AM

Print this story

More from Twins

KANSAS CITY, MO. - Twins infielder Alexi Casilla, on the 15-day disabled list because of a torn ligament in his right thumb, is expected to resume baseball activities in about a week.

The Twins feared that their No. 2 hitter could be lost for the season but got encouraging news after Casilla was examined by hand specialist Dr. Tom Varecka on Thursday.

Casilla will wear a splint on his thumb for another week, then resume workouts with the club.

"He saw the hand specialist again, and he said it looks good,'' Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "We'll go from there. Next week he thinks he should be able to start activities."

Gardenhire said he doesn't think Casilla will need a minor league rehabilitation stint. If that's true, then Casilla conceivably would be ready to play by the time the Twins begin a four-city road trip on Aug. 21.

Casilla was injured July 28 when his thumb was bent backward during a slide into second base. He can swing a bat righthanded but has problems swinging lefthanded.

Gardenhire said he would consider using Casilla as a righthanded hitter only if that's all he could do.

"He really believes he can play righthanded right now,'' Gardenhire said.

Lessons for Ruiz

The Twins were on the field at 2 p.m. Friday for early work, which is customary following an off day.

That gave Gardenhire a chance to hit some grounders to Randy Ruiz, who is more of a designated hitter than first baseman.

Ruiz was eating it all up. Justin Morneau helped him with his defense at first base, and Joe Mauer has spoken with him about hitting. The 30-year-old rookie is having a blast.

"Me having an opportunity to talk to Mauer about hitting and Morneau about first base, like we did today, is awesome," Ruiz said. "It's something that, one day, someone like myself can be in the same position as they are."

Franchise time

Francisco Liriano hopes he will have gotten over the excitement of being back in the majors when he makes his second start since being recalled when he faces the Royals tonight.

Liriano threw six shutout innings against Cleveland, giving up three hits, on Sunday in his first outing back but walked three and had to work out of an early jam.

"It was my first time, and it was at home,'' Liriano said.,

Liriano told the coaching staff he was nervous before the game so they are looking forward to seeing how well he does when he's settled down.

"Hopefully he will go deep in the ballgame, less pitches early, because of that,'' Gardenhire said.

One of Liriano's three April losses came against the Royals.

Etc.

• Closer Joe Nathan has been named the DHL Delivery Man of the Month for being the most outstanding relief pitcher in July. He posted a 0.82 ERA in July and converted all seven save opportunities. He received $1,500 to be donated to the charity of his choice, which is the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.

• Outfielder Craig Monroe on Friday officially became a free agent when he cleared waivers and was released by the Twins.

• The Twins didn't have any interest in placing a waiver claim on reliever Chad Bradford, who was traded to Tampa Bay on Thursday. They continue to watch the waiver wire for a relief pitcher who would upgrade their bullpen corps.

Recent Twins stories

Game 3 of World Series between Yankees, Phillies starts after rain delay of 1 hour, 20 minutes - August 9, 2008

Game 3 of World Series between Yankees, Phillies starts after rain delay of 1 hour, 20 minutes - Game 3 of the World Series between the Yankees and Phillies started Saturday night after a rain delay of 1 hour, 20 minutes, the second consecutive year wet weather affected the schedule in Philadelphia. More