Well, it seems like they're under attack...by baseballs.

Brian Duensing was struck on the left ankle by a batted ball during his batting practice session on Monday, suffering a bruise. Duensing was unable to run after his session but the Twins say it's just a bruise and Duensing is confident that he will make his next scheduled mound appearance.

It didn't end there, as Jose Lugo hit Wilson Ramos on the left ankle with a pitch on Monday. Ramos is expected to be fine.

All this comes one day after lefthander Jose Mijares was hit on the left forearm by a line drive off 'Jason Kubel's bat. Mijares didn't do much today but said he will throw batting practice tomorrow.

And, while he didn't have a protective screen in front of him on Sunday, he will on Tuesday. ``A big one," he said.

Other notes:

<> Jose Morales had the cast removed from his surgically repaired right wrist on Monday. He will now begin work to restore strength and flexibility to the wrist before trying to swing a bat. It still looks like Morales won't be ready to play games until the end of spring training.

<>The Twins worked on relays, pop ups and rundowns today.

<>Monday also was a day for physicals, photos and drug testing.

Coming soon

The Twins open spring training with a three-game series against Boston. Here are the pitching matchups.

Thursday: Nick Blackburn and Kevin Slowey vs Josh Beckett

Friday: Carl Pavano vs Jon Lester

Saturday: Francisco Liriano vs John Lackey