Casilla takes Bass' roster spot

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: August 21, 2008 - 7:43 AM

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TEAM NOTES

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The Twins on Wednesday activated infielder Alexi Casilla from the 15-day disabled list. Casilla, back from a torn ligament in his right thumb, was 4-for-7 in two games with Class A Beloit during a rehabilitation stint.

To make room for Casilla, the Twins sent righthander Brian Bass to Class AAA Rochester. Bass was 3-4 with a 4.87 ERA in 44 relief appearances.

You would think that with a beleaguered bullpen, the Twins would keep 12 pitchers. But the Twins weren't using Bass much lately in close games.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire added that he needed an extra position player because shortstop Adam Everett (right hand) and outfielder Delmon Young (ankle) are nursing injuries.

"We played Delmon [Wednesday], but he's not 100 percent," Gardenhire said. "We're going to keep an extra player around here for a few days and see how it goes. Once we get healthy we will make a decision. Right now we need the players. Our bodies are beat up."

Bass, who will be a free agent after the season, has 72 hours to accept or reject the assignment. "I'll think about it," Bass said. "We'll see."

Casilla has been out since July 28, when he injured his thumb while sliding into second base. He will return to the No. 2 spot in the batting order, where he gave the Twins a big boost after being called up from Class AAA Rochester in May.

Nick Punto, who started at second in place of Casilla, is expected to get most of the time at shortstop. But Everett is expected to get some starts, too.

Bass had to clear waivers to be outrighted and right now is not on the Twins' 40-man roster.

Liriano's day

Twins lefthander Francisco Liriano on Wednesday had his worst outing since being brought back from the minors -- and he still won.

Liriano couldn't find the plate, but Oakland scored just an unearned run during his five-inning stint. Liriano gave up five hits and walked three while striking out five.

Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson said Liriano was out of whack mechanically and couldn't make adjustments. It helped that Oakland, 6-25 since the All-Star break, has a terrible offense.

"Fortunately, he's got good enough stuff to not let them score any runs," Gardenhire said.

Liriano is 4-0 with a 1.14 ERA since being called up. Overall, he's 4-3 with a 4.24 ERA.

"It was one of those days," Liriano said.

Etc.

• Right fielder Michael Cuddyer, recovering from a broken left foot, is out of his walking boot.

• Gardenhire said infielder Matt Tolbert, out since May because of a torn ligament in his left thumb, will definitely be called up when rosters can expand on Sept. 1.

• Righthander Boof Bonser threw two shutout innings, striking out two. He kept the ball down and had good movement on a fastball that hit 94 miles an hour.

• Justin Morneau has walked a career-high 65 times. He leads the majors with 34 walks since July 1, including 10 intentional passes.

• Joe Nathan pitched the ninth inning and earned his 34th save in 37 opportunities.

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