Casilla might return next week

Charles Krupa, Associated Press

Alexi Casilla

By JOE CHRISTENSEN and LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune staff writers

Last update: August 12, 2008 - 12:27 AM

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Two weeks ago, Twins second baseman Alexi Casilla was convinced a left thumb injury had ended his season.

Last week, the switch hitter said there was a 60 percent chance he could return but warned he might not be able to swing lefthanded.

On Monday, Casilla said he is 100 percent certain he will return -- probably late next week -- and doesn't expect any problems hitting from either side.

"Right now, I'm feeling pretty good," he said.

Casilla, who is batting .313, will have his splint removed Wednesday and will resume baseball activities Friday. The Twins would like to see him go on a brief rehab assignment and return by Aug. 20, when the team leaves on its 14-game road trip.

"I'll take him back," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "We need speed, we need players. I like him out there at second [base]. He makes our infield stronger -- the whole deal."

Trade winds

The Twins entered the season with a payroll of about $57 million, down about $14 million from last season.

They have given indications they are willing to take on salary for the right addition, which could be an advantage as the Aug. 31 deadline for setting playoff rosters approaches.

In many cases, players slip through waivers because of the money they are owed. The Rays, for example, recently acquired reliever Chad Bradford from the Orioles, who saved the $3.5 million he is owed in 2009.

The Twins discussed Bradford, but they weren't sure he would be much of an upgrade.

Kielty returns

The Twins signed Bobby Kielty to a minor league contract and assigned him to Class AAA Rochester.

Kielty, 32, played for the Twins from 2001 to 2003 before getting traded to Toronto for Shannon Stewart. A switch hitter, Kielty hit a home run for Boston in Game 4 of last year's World Series.

Kielty batted .228 with three homers and 18 RBI for Class AAA Pawtucket before asking for his release in mid-July.

• The Twins also acquired Joe Gaetti, son of former third baseman Gary Gaetti, from Oakland. Joe Gaetti, a 26-year-old outfielder, was batting .263 with 14 home runs and 33 RBI for Class AAA Sacramento. The Twins plan to send him to Class AA New Britain.

Etc.

• Michael Cuddyer (broken left foot) came to the Twins clubhouse in a walking boot with crutches Monday and didn't expect his prognosis to change much when he visited Dr. John Steubs. Cuddyer is out four to six weeks, but said "I hope to help in some capacity" by season's end.

• Class A Beloit pitching prospect Loek Van Mil, the tallest player in professional baseball at 7-1, was supposed to pitch for Holland in the Olympics before suffering a right elbow injury during a bullpen session in Beijing. He was diagnosed with a partial tear of his right ulnar collateral ligament and will get a second opinion from Twins doctors today. If it's a partial tear, Van Mil might not need surgery.

• Joe Nathan donated $500,000 to his alma mater, Stony Brook University, toward a new baseball field. The Seawolves, who have made the NCAA tournament twice in the past five years, will call their new home Joe Nathan Field.

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