The Twins still don't know when first baseman Justin Morneau will return to the lineup. He continues to work out at Target Field but needs to be symptom-free for a few days before he can take the next step in his recovery from a concussion suffered on July 2.

The BIG problem is that Morneau is NOT symptom free yet. The Twins are committed to making sure Morneau doesn't rush back to action too soon. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire and GM Bill Smith are going to be cautious.

``Billy and I have been talking and the one thing that we want to make sure is that we cover all the bases and do all the right things for this young man," Gardenhire said. ``One of the things that the doctors have been saying is that a concussion you can deal with and get through it but a concussion on top of a concussion is a really bad thing. "

You're probably thinking, ``This isn't good." It's NOT.

I asked Morneau if he was going to watch the game from the dugout. He wasn't sure if he would be able to do even that, That's not a good sign. More exactly, is not a sign that he's close to being able to get in the batter's box and feel comfortable with 90 mph fastballs coming at t him,

MIJARES NEEDS SURGERY

The Twins suffered a blow today when it was learned that reliever Jose Mijares has a torn meniscus in his right knee and will have surgery that will keep him out for about four weeks.

The Twins do expect Mijares to return to the team before the end of the season, but must make do without one of their key lefthanded relievers.

An MRI on Friday revealed the tear, suffered when Mijares tried to cover first base during the Twins' loss to the White Sox on Wednesday.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Glen Perkins, called up to make a spot start on Wednesday, will eventually move to the bullpen to help make up for Mijares' absence. Ron Mahay, normally a situational lefty used earlier in games, might have to assume a larger role.

The Twins are expected to explore the trade market for left-handed relief help. Players traded this month have to clear waivers first, and teams across the league scour the waiver wire looking for upgrades.

J.J. Hardy is available off the bench but is a couple days away from starting. Jon Rauch is available out of the bullpen.

Will post lineups soon.

I hope Danny Valencia is prepared for Coco Crisp and Rajai Davis bunting on him.

A's (57-56)

1. Coco Crisp, CF
2. Daric Barton, 1B
3. Kurt Suzuki, c
4. Jack Cust, DH
5. Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B
6. Mark Ellis, 2B
7. Rajai Davis, RF
8. Chris Carter, LF
9. Cliff Pennington, SS

Pitching: LHP Gio Gonzalez

Twins (65-50)

1. Denard Span, CF
2. Orlando Hudson, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, DH (sorry!)
4. Michael Cuddyer, 1B
5. Jason Kubel, RF
6. Delmon Young, LF
7. Danny Valencia, 3B
8. Alexi Casilla, SS
9. Drew Butera, C

Pitching: RHP Carl Pavano