StarTribune.com content is available via e-mail, mobile devices and as RSS feeds.
Reyes getting his strength back
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on newsvine
Share on DiggRelated Content
More from Twins
Odds were against lefthander Dennys Reyes duplicating his 2006 season, in which he posted a 0.89 ERA in 502/3 innings.
But the Twins weren't prepared for him to have a 6.57 ERA midway through May.
Reyes, as it turned out, had been pitching with shoulder inflammation. After a stint on the disabled list and continued maintenance, Reyes is back to throwing as effectively as he did last season.
He entered Friday's game with 91/3 scoreless innings since being activated from the 15-day disabled list on June 14.
"Being healthy, that's the main thing," Reyes said, "and being able to spot my pitches better. Just being able to be pain-free makes a lot of difference."
The challenge for the Twins is to make sure Reyes, the only lefthander currently in the bullpen, doesn't get overworked. Getting through this weekend will be hard enough, given the lefthanded hitters on Oakland's roster.
"He has done a super job for us," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He's throwing the ball real good and his slider is snapping. He's healthy, and that's the key. If he's healthy, he's got great stuff."
Reyes often threw several consecutive days in the bullpen last season to help him maintain his control in games. That's no longer happening.
"I'm trying to save my bullets," Reyes said with a smile. "My doctor told me to take it easy on the throws."
Pump up Punto
Twins infielder Nick Punto entered Friday batting .212, but teammate Torii Hunter believes Punto will rebound from a disastrous first half.
"Nick Punto is my pick to click for the second half," Hunter said. "I think he's going to make the adjustment."
Punto batted .290 last season, but Gardenhire believes Punto can salvage his season if he cuts down on hitting the ball in the air.
"Guys have confidence in him because he's such a gamer," Gardenhire said.
Using Jones
Gardenhire is reluctant to use Garrett Jones in the outfield until he practices tracking balls against the Metrodome roof. The plan is for Jones, who was called up from Class AAA Rochester on Wednesday, to have fly balls hit to him after games so he can get used to nighttime conditions.
It should be pointed out that Jones, originally a first baseman, is playing in the outfield for the first time on a regular basis. With Michael Cuddyer established in right field, Jones must play in left field, which is much more spacious in the Dome.
"The report is that he's better in right field than in left field, and that is the toughest field here," Gardenhire said. "It is going to take some work."
Etc.
• Outfielder Rondell White missed another day because of a sore left hamstring and it is unknown when he will be able to resume his minor league rehabilitation assignment. Gardenhire said White still feels discomfort in his hamstring when he stretches and runs. White's rehab stint initially was for a torn right calf muscle.
• Reliever Pat Neshek entered Friday's game holding opponents to a .129 batting average, lowest in the AL.
• One thing overlooked from Thursday's game was that Oakland reliever Kiko Calero threw one pitch in the seventh inning, gave up one hit but got two outs. How? Hunter and Justin Morneau both were thrown out on the base paths during the play.
La Velle E. Neal III • lneal@startribune.com
- Young, Punto latest to deliver
- Finger keeps Casilla from lineup
- Patrick Reusse: Punto's drop, stop and roll takes the prize
- Jim Souhan: Getting ahead strikes at the heart of team's philosophy
- Twins minor league report: Slama deserves promotion, but Fort Myers needs him
- La Velle E. Neal III's Sunday Insider: Twins wouldn't miss C.C.
- Twins: That was some arms summit
Time lapse of Twins stadium
One year ago this week, the first Web cam image of the new Twins ballpark construction site was taken. Today, the Twins released a one minute time lapse movie of how the construction has progressed over the past year.
Snow doesn't dampen opening day spirit
Twins fans and players alike shrugged off the snow for opening day and heralded the arrival of the baseball season.
Twins video player card: Mike Redmond
Twins catcher Mike Redmond talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Final of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins video player card: Boof Bonser
Twins pitcher Boof Bonser talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Eighth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins video player card: Nick Punto
Twins infielder Nick Punto talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Sixth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins video player card: Justin Morneau
Twins first baseman Justin Morneau talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Fifth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins video player card: Brendan Harris
Twins second baseman Brendan Harris talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Fourth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins video player card: Adam Everett
Twins shortstop Adam Everett talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Third of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins video player card: Mike Lamb
Twins third baseman Mike Lamb talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Second of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins video player card: Joe Mauer
Twins catcher Joe Mauer talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. First of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Training camp: The battle for second base
Twins coach Ron Gardenhire is looking for Nick Punto to improve offensively and for Brendan Harris to be patient at the plate, but the competition for second base is close.
5-7-5: Twins are poets, don't 'cha know it?
Assorted Minnesota Twins read reader-submitted Haiku with flair ... or not.
Cuddyer is ready to lead the Twins
Michael Cuddyer says he's probably a natural fit to lead the team since he's got the most experience with the organization.
Who's going to make Twins roster?
Baseball writers La Velle E. Neal III and Joe Christensen think Wednesday's lineup against Boston features the A-listers or as close as it can be given the tough competition.
Liriano's success: Patience
Francisco Liriano's success will be about patience, according to Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson.
Related Content
Competition for center field tough
Admittedly, Twins coach Jerry White believes the race for the center field spot is wide open because the competitors each bring a lot.
Boof's poetic justice
Just previewing a bit of our Haiku footage, Twins pitcher Boof Bonser waxes poetic with a Haiku donated to the Section 220 blog.
Video: Team access, sun draw fans to spring training
Writer LaVelle E. Neal III and Twins fans agree -- spring training is about the sun, the fun and access to the team.
 Open House ShowcaseThousands of homes open this weekend!View all open houses >> View all homes for sale >>  Open positions!A new career awaits. Look through thousands of listings to find your new job. Start now! |