--CF Carlos Gomez was shaken up by a hard tag on the face and neck Wednesday by Orioles C Gregg Zaun after trying to score from third on a rundown play. "I couldn't breathe," Gomez said of the collision. Gomez sat out of Thursday's game, but manager Ron Gardenhire said he was available as a late-inning defensive replacement.
--RHP Joe Nathan has had only five save situations this season, none since May 1. He is on pace to pitch only 52 innings this season, by far the fewest of his career. --SS Nick Punto was hitless in four at-bats Thursday, dropping his average below .200 for the first time this season, to .190. Punto is 0-for-17 but is in no danger of losing his playing time due to his steady defense.
MEDICAL WATCH:
CF Carlos Gomez (face, neck) was hurt May 6, and he sat out May 7. He is day-to-day.
3B Joe Crede (stomach ailment) was scratched from the lineup May 6. He returned to action May 7.
RHP Boof Bonser (torn right labrum and rotator cuff surgery in February 2009) went on the 15-day disabled list April 2. He is out for the season.
RHP Pat Neshek (right elbow surgery) went on the 60-day disabled list Feb. 21. He will remain in Florida all summer and targets a return by next spring.
ROTATION:
LHP Francisco Liriano
RHP Nick Blackburn
RHP Kevin Slowey
LHP Glen Perkins
RHP Scott Baker
BULLPEN:
RHP Joe Nathan (closer)
RHP Matt Guerrier
LHP Craig Breslow
RHP Luis Ayala
RHP R.A. Dickey
LHP Jose Mijares
RHP Jesse Crain
CATCHERS:
Joe Mauer
Mike Redmond
INFIELDERS:
1B Justin Morneau
2B Matt Tolbert
SS Nick Punto
3B Joe Crede
INF Brian Buscher
INF Brendan Harris
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Delmon Young
CF Denard Span
RF Michael Cuddyer
DH Jason Kubel
OF Carlos Gomez
