MORNEAU NOT READY

Justin Morneau didn't participate in early batting practice. As other players were getting dressed for regular pre-game activities, Morneau was in workout clothes. He's not expected to play tonight and won't appear in a game until his wrist is ready for it, according to acting manager Scott Ullger.

We were unable to talk to Morneau before the game to get an idea of where he is with his recovery. Ullger added that Morneau has not received a shot for his wrist.

"Not that it's not a possibility," assistant GM Rob Antony said. "but the doctors and trainers gave us an update they did not talk about that. And when I talked to Justin the other day he didn't mention it."

KOMATSU NOT HERE

New outfielder Erik Komatsu will not arrive here until late tonight and isn't expected to be in uniform until tomorrow. Because of that, and Morneau's wrist, the Twins have ONE player on their bench tonight: Trevor Plouffe. Wow. If this games goes extra innings....

For more on Komatsu,check this out.

Komatsu was selected in the Rule 5 draft last December by the Cardinals, so the Twins take on his Rule 5 rights. That means he has to stay on the 25-man roster for the remainder of the season or must be offered back to the Cards. "We liked him and considered him for the Rule 5 draft when we selected Mr. (Terry) Doyle," Twins assistant GM Rob Antony said. "We decided to go for the pitcher."

The Twins kept following him and decided to take a chance on him when Thomas proved he could not play at this level. He can run and throws O.K.

The Twins, by the way, could not have called up Ben Revere. One, he has to stay in the minors at least 10 days after being sent down. Two, the Twins really want him to play everyday. where there's no harm if Komatsu plays sporadically off the bench.

OTHER NOTES

  • Drew Butera is reunited with Carl Pavano as a batterymate. Butera hit .279 at Class AAA Rochester. He feels he's made some progress at the plate. "I just tried to be consistent and have quality at-bats," he said. "I've shown flashes, but I've got to be more consistent."
  • Seattle infielder Chone Figgins, making $9.5 million this season, has been relegated to a utility role. He'll make $8.5 million next year.
  • There could be an all-time low crowd here tonight. The weather is crummy and both teams aren't playing well. They set an all-time low on Apr, 18 when 11,343 was announced for a game against the Indians.
  • But the National Anthem should be cool. Mike McCready of Pearl Jam is performing the anthem. He was killing it during a rehearsal before batting practice.

The Twins have added Roy Larson as an extra bullpen catcher. Larson, from Eagan, played at rookie league Elizabethton last year but was released this spring. It's unclear how long he'll stay with the club, now that Butera is here as a third catcher.
Twins (6-18)

1. Denard Span, CF
2. Jamey Carroll, SS
3. Joe Mauer, DH
4. Josh Willingham, LF
5. Ryan Doumit, RF
6. Danny Valencia, 3B
7. Chris Parmelee, 1B
8. Alexi Casilla, 2B
9. Drew Butera, C

Pitching: Carl Pavano

Mariners

1. Dustin Ackley, 2B
2. Alex Liddi 3B
3. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
4. Jesus Montero, C
5. Kyle Seager, DH
6. Justin Smoak, 1B
7. Mike Carp, LF
8. Michael Saunders, CF
9. Brendan Ryan, SS

Pitching: Jason Vargas, LHP