--SS Nick Punto went 2-for-3 on Sunday and his double in the fourth inning snapped an 0-for-17 streak at the plate. Punto had Friday and Saturday off and said he spent that time getting extra work in with hitting coach Joe Vavra. The shortstop is batting .207 with a .312 OBP.
--RHP Nick Blackburn rebounded from a 3 1/3-inning, nine-run outing in Detroit earlier in the week by throwing seven shutout innings on Sunday. He allowed five hits and struck out five. "That's what you do, man. You go out there and you rise to the challenge, and he did that," C Mike Redmond said. "That was very impressive the way he went out there and pitched today after what happened to him in Detroit. That's a sign of maturity."
MEDICAL WATCH:
3B Joe Crede (sore left hamstring) did not play May 8-10. He is expected back by May 12.
CF Carlos Gomez (face, neck) was hurt May 6, and he sat out May 7. He appeared as a reserve May 8-9.
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
