Change of plans for Morneau; slugger won't join Twins in Chicago

CHICAGO -- The Twins hoped Justin Morneau could join the team in Chicago on Monday and take part in batting practice the next two days before possibly starting a minor-league rehab stint with Class AAA Rochester.

But those plans have changed. Morneau, who has been out since suffering a concussion July 7, will not be flying to Chicago this week, General Manager Bill Smith said Monday, refusing to call it a setback.

“He’s made good progress the last week,” Smith said. “Chicago was a possibility, just like Cleveland was a possibility [this past weekend], depending on how things went last week. But Justin’s very comfortable with the facilities at Target Field, so he’s going to continue doing his workouts there.”

The Twins gave Morneau a day off Monday, but he is expected to resume his workouts on Tuesday at Target Field. Smith declined to give specific details about how Morneau has been feeling, noting that the progress has varied each day.

“It’s a new injury for us, and we have to be careful with the forecasts,” Smith said.

Notes: Glen Perkins will fly to Chicago on Tuesday and will be added to the active roster on Wednesday before starting that night's game against the White Sox. The Twins will likely announce the roster move after Tuesday's game. ... Nick Punto (strained hamstring) has made a lot of progress the past two or three days, Smith said. It's unclear if Punto will be ready Friday, when he's eligible to come off the DL, but he's getting closer. ... Matt Tolbert (bruised finger) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment with the Twins' Gulf Coast League affiliate on Tuesday.