CLEVELAND – In two starts spanning seven days, Adalberto Mejia has shut out AL Central-leading Cleveland for 10 innings on two hits and one walk.
It represents a step forward for the young lefthander — as long as his injury is not too much of a step back.
Mejia left Tuesday night's rain-delayed game after five innings with a three-run lead, and a strained left wrist. But, up until his last pitch, he was aggressive and efficient.
Cleveland scored twice in the eighth, setting up a nail-biting finish. With the tying run on second, Fernando Rodney struck out Francisco Lindor looking early Wednesday morning as the Twins held on for a 3-2 victory, making Mejia's outing hold up.
The Twins hope Mejia can make his next start Sunday at Detroit and not miss any time because of the injury, suffered when he threw his 68th and last pitch of the fifth inning.
"My last pitch was a slider, and I felt like a shock in there," Mejia said. "The trainer checked me. It's just a little tension in my wrist."
The area is in the forearm but more toward the wrist than the elbow. Mejia underwent treatment afterward and felt better, so the Twins believe it is a minor issue. They won't know for sure until he throws a bullpen session later this week, but they didn't seem too worried after the game.
"He said the last pitch he threw kind of had a stinging effect in the lower left forearm, closer to the wrist, that radiated up to the elbow," manager Paul Molitor said. "There was some swelling in the area we kind of checked out. We think it's a mild strain. We're going to see how it reacts tomorrow, see if we can get it under control. I don't think we'll make any decision on his next start until we get a look at him tomorrow."
