You can't make this stuff up.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was ready to submit the lineup he's been waiting to write out for months. But, during early batting practice, Michael Cuddyer swung at a pitch and felt something pull in his neck.
He's out. Apparently, he suffered the injury on his last swing of the session.
So the Twins won't have a full-strength lineup - again.
A new lineup is being written out as of this writing.Ben Revere will be in left field, as Delmon Young's numbers against Justin Masterson aren't good. Jason Kubel will be in right.
Justin Morneau, who was activated from the DL today, is playing first base.
Check back here later for the lineup and updates.
UPDATES:
- Cuddyer's neck is doing better, so there is hope that it will be a short term injury.
- Gardy said Mauer's appearances at first base will be reduced with Morneau back in the lineup. But he'll probably give Morneau a day off here and there since he's just coming back, and that's when he'll use Mauer at first.
- Kevin Slowey said he expects to have a good working relationship with Gardy and pitching coach Rick Anderson during the rest of the season. The sides butted heads right before he landed on the DL with an abdominal strain.
Twins (52-65)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Jason Kubel, RF
6. Jim Thome, DH
7. Danny Valencia, 3B
8. Ben Revere, LF
9. Tsuyoshi Nishioka, SS
Pitching: Carl Pavano, RHP
Cleveland (58-57)
1. Shin-Soo Choo, RF
2. Jason Kipnis, 2B
3. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
4. Travis Hafner, DH
5. Carlos Santana, C
6. Kosuke Fukudome, CF
7. Matt LaPorta, 1B
8. Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B
9. Ezequiel Carerra, LF
Pitching; Justin Masterson, RHP
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