Lots to update here.
Miguel Sano will work out with the team before tonight's game but cannot be in the clubhouse or dugout once the first pitch is delivered. Twins manager Paul Molitor said he's given Sano the option of watching the game from a location at the park, or he can return to the team hotel.
Sano will serve a one-game suspension for his actions during a dust-up with the Tigers at Target Field last month. The league announced on Tuesday that it is upholding the suspension after listening to Sano's appeal on Friday.
"I don't really care for the ruling," Molitor said. "I'm disappointed."
Molitor said Sano essentially was provoked twice. Once by Tigers pitcher Matt Boyd and again by catcher James McCann. Plus, by being ejected from the game, he already had served part of the suspension. The league, nevertheless, stuck by its decision.
So the Twins will be without Sano and, perhaps, Brian Dozier tonight against the White Sox. Dozier, who has missed two games with a sprained left ankle, hit and ran the bases before the game and is close to returning. In fact, he could be available to pinch hit tonight if needed. The club does want to be cautious and make sure they aren't bringing him back too soon.
Molitor said Dozier should return to the lineup no later than Friday against Cleveland, if not sooner. The guess here is that Dozier talks himself into the lineup tomorrow.
Glen Perkins threw in the bullpen today, according to Chief Baseball Officer Derek Falvey. Falvey said if Perkins has a couple more good sessions, they will huddle and determine the next stage of Perkins' comeback from a torn labrum.
