Results tagged ‘ Trevor Plouffe ’

Game 17: Liriano to skip his next start

MINNEAPOLIS — In an effort to help him clear his head after struggling in four outings so far this season, the Twins will skip left-hander Francisco Liriano’s turn in the rotation this week.

Minnesota has an off-day on Thursday, which allows the Twins to go with a four-man rotation before Liriano makes his next start on Tuesday in Anaheim. Liriano allowed five runs in five innings yesterday against the Rays, and has an 11.02 ERA with 12 strikeouts and 13 walks in 16 1/3 innings.

Gardenhire told Liriano of the club’s decision during a meeting today that also included pitching coach Rick Anderson. Anderson is set to watch Liriano throw bullpen sessions on Thursday and Saturday.

“It’s about being able to relax on the mound and he knows that,” Gardenhire said. “He actually says he has confidence. But he’ll tell you straight out that when he gets men out there he starts spinning ‘em. So he’s got to be able to control that. It’s a work in progress. We’re letting him take a step back and relax a little bit.”

In other news, second baseman Alexi Casilla was a late scratch with flu-like symptoms. Trevor Plouffe moves from left field to second base to take his place in the lineup, while Chris Parmelee makes his first career start in left field.

Left fielder Josh Willingham will also be placed on paternity leave on Wednesday to attend the birth of his third son with his wife Ginger. The Twins will call somebody up to replace him, even though he could return as early as Friday. My best guess is that Revere gets the call, but we’ll see.

Justin Morneau also makes his second start of the season at first base tonight.

Red Sox (4-10)

1. Mike Aviles, SS
2. Ryan Sweeney, RF
3. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
4. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
8. Cody Ross, RF
9. Marlon Byrd, CF

LHP Jon Lester (0-2, 5.82. 3.88 FIP, 17 IP, 12 K, 9 BB)

Twins (5-11)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Jamey Carroll, SS
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Josh Willingham, DH
5. Justin Morneau, 1B
6. Ryan Doumit, RF
7. Danny Valencia, 3B
8. Chris Parmelee, LF
9. Trevor Plouffe, 2B

RHP Jason Marquis (1-0, 7.20, 6.14 FIP, 5 IP, 3 K, 2 BB)

Game 33: Twins lineup vs. Rays

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — The Twins play the Rays today to mark the eighth Grapefruit League meeting between the two clubs with one more to go tomorrow. Minnesota already won the series, as it enters today’s game with a 5-2 advantage over Tampa Bay.

Catcher Joe Mauer isn’t on the trip, as he’s scheduled to get at-bats in a Minor League game back in Fort Myers. Outfielder Trevor Plouffe is also playing in a Minor League game as well.

Right-hander Jason Marquis is also set to return to Fort Myers tomorrow after being back home tending to his 7-year-old daughter who was in a serious bicycle accident. Marquis will throw a bullpen tomorrow and will be evaluated by pitching coach Rick Anderson, but is still expected to start the year on the bereavement list.

Right-hander Scott Baker is also on track to start on Thursday for Class-A Advanced Fort Myers in Port Charlotte. He’ll still open the season on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 27, with elbow tendinitis.

Second baseman Alexi Casilla also received an anti-inflammatory shot in the back of his right knee. He’s taking today off but should be back on the field working out tomorrow. He’s expected to be ready for Opening Day on Friday in Baltimore.

Twins (18-14)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Jamey Carroll, SS
3. Ryan Doumit, C
4. Justin Morneau, DH
5. Josh Willingham, LF
6. Sean Burroughs, 1B
7. Danny Valencia, 3B
8. Luke Hughes, 2B
9. Lance Ray, RF

LHP Francisco Liriano

Rays (9-16)
1. Desmond Jennings, CF
2. Luke Scott, DH
3. Evan Longoria, 3B
4. Ben Zobrist, RF
5. Carlos Pena, 1B
6. Jeff Keppinger, 2B
7. Jose Molina, C
8. Jeff Salazar, LF
9. Sean Rodriguez, SS

LHP David Price

Game 25: Twins lineup vs. Rays

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Twins made one roster move this morning, reassigning right-hander Brendan Wise to Minor League camp.

Wise, 26, posted a 9.00 ERA over seven innings in six Grapefruit League games. The Australia native struck one, walked one and allowed two home runs.

The Twins now have 38 players in camp.

Right-hander Scott Baker starts for the Twins today to mark his first Grapefruit League start since March 6. It’ll be an important outing for Baker, who is battling elbow tendonitis and remains a candidate to start the season on the disabled list.

Baker is set to throw about 50 pitches today after throwing 23 pitches in a Minor League game on Thursday. The Twins are hopeful he’ll be able to make his scheduled start in the club’s home opener on April 9, but there’s still a chance he’ll be pushed back to April 15.

The Twins are also trotting out an interesting lineup, as Justin Morneau is at designated hitter yet again with Chris Parmelee getting the start at first. Josh Willingham is in left field with Ryan Doumit in right. Ben Revere, who appears headed to a fourth outfielder role, is on the bench.

There’s a chance this could even be the Opening Day lineup, but it’s worth remembering that Trevor Plouffe is currently out with a strained right hamstring.

Twins (13-11)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Jamey Carroll, SS
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, DH
5. Josh Willingham, LF
6. Ryan Doumit, RF
7. Danny Valencia, 3B
8. Chris Parmelee, 1B
9. Alexi Casilla, 2B

RHP Scott Baker

Twins pitchers: Liam Hendriks, Alex Burnett, Casey Fien, Jeff Gray, Jeff Manship

Rays (6-14)
1. Ben Zobrist, RF
2. Luke Scott, DH
3. Evan Longoria, 3B
4. Carlos Pena, 1B
5. Jeff Keppinger, 2B
6. Jose Molina, C
7. Elliot Johnson, SS
8. Will Rhymes, LF
9. Jesus Felciano, CF

RHP Jeff Niemann

Game 18: Liriano dominant in win over Pirates

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Left-hander Francisco Liriano tossed five no-hit innings and the Twins allowed just one hit in a 10-0 win over the Pirates at Hammond Stadium.

The Twins improved to 10-8 with the victory, and make the short trek to JetBlue Park to face the Red Sox on Monday at 12:35 p.m. CT.

What went right: Liriano looked the best he has all spring, walking just one and striking out six over five no-hit frames.

So far, Liriano has struck out 18 and walked just two in 13 Grapefruit League innings. It’s a great sign for the Twins, who need him to pitch like he did in 2010 after struggling last season with a 5.09 ERA.

Jeff Gray, Sam Deduno and Casey Fien also threw no-hit innings, while Luis Perdomo served up the Pirates’ lone hit in the eighth inning. Brandon Boggs picked up the one single with one out in the eighth, but was thrown out by Brian Dinkelman while trying to advance to second base.

The offense also looked good with 13 hits and 10 runs, as they scored five runs in both the second and seventh innings.

Jamey Carroll, who entered hitting just .043 this spring, went 2-for-3, including a two-run double down the right-field line in the second inning. Brian Dozier hit his first homer of the spring to lead off the seventh, while Ray Chang added a two-run double.

Alexi Casilla, Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Trevor Plouffe and Joe Benson each picked up an RBI on the afternoon.

What went wrong: Not much, considering the Twins outplayed the Pirates in just about every aspect of the game.

Mauer and Morneau combined to go 0-for-5 but both had RBI groundouts in the second inning with the infield playing back. Danny Valencia went 0-for-3, including a strikeout to end the first inning with the bases loaded.

Perdomo gave up the lone hit by the Pirates, but didn’t allow a baserunner to reach, as Boggs was thrown out at second.

What they said: “I said all right, I’m going to go home and hit my dog. And he goes, your dog doesn’t have anything to worry about, you won’t be hitting it too hard,” Carroll said about a funny exchange he had with Twins manager Ron Gardenhire earlier this week after another hitless game. “I needed to hear that, so it was good. I don’t have a dog, so all the animal-rights activists, it’s just a joke. But you need to hear that. You get frustrated. You want to contribute, especially on a new team. You want to play well, and I think it’s a matter of just trying to relax a little bit and let it come.”

What’s next: Right-hander Jason Marquis is set to make his fourth Grapefruit League start on Monday against the Red Sox at 12:35 p.m. CT at JetBlue Park. Marquis has allowed nine runs over 8 2/3 innings this spring. Right-handers Alex Burnett, Jared Burton, Anthony Swarzak and Jeff Manship are also scheduled to pitch for the Twins.

Injury update: Right-hander Scott Baker (elbow) faces a big test on Monday, as he’s slated to throw a bullpen at the club’s Spring Training complex before they travel down the road to play the Red Sox. Baker is expected to ramp up his intensity after throwing at about 75 percent on Saturday. … Outfielder Trevor Plouffe exited Sunday’s game against the Pirates in the seventh inning with a strained right hamstring. It’s not serious but he’s expected to be held out through at least Wednesday.

Game 11: Hughes gives Twins the win in extras

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Carl Pavano had his best outing of the spring, and Luke Hughes hit a solo homer in the 10th inning to help lead the Twins to a 2-1 win over the Rays at Charlotte Sports Park.

With their third straight win, the Twins improved to 6-5 on the season. They host the split-squad Blue Jays on Tuesday at Hammond Stadium.

What went right: Pavano looked sharp against the Rays in his third Grapefruit League start, surrendering one run on four hits over four innings. He got ahead of hitters, as he threw first-pitch strikes to 12 of the 15 batters he faced.

Pavano, who threw 60 pitches, gave up his lone run on a single from Desmond Jennings after a double from Jose Lobaton. He also worked well with catcher Ryan Doumit, who threw out two attempting base stealers. The only misplay was when Jennings stole second despite a pitchout from Pavano, as the throw from Doumit sailed high.

Hughes also showed he’s progressing well in his recovery from a strained right shoulder suffered in a home-plate collision in his native Australia in early February. He played all 10 innings at second base, and went 2-for-4 at the plate, including the game-winning homer in the 10th off right-hander Albert Suarez.

“I think that’s a big lift for him,” Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. “He’s been fighting through it because of the shoulder thing. He’s been set back a ways, so that’s a big deal for him hitting that homer.”

Shortstop Brian Dozier also had a good day at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a walk. He was robbed of a homer by the umpires in the first inning, when his deep drive hit the wooden deck above the left-field fence but it was ruled in-play. He settled for a triple off Tampa Bay’s projected Opening Day starter James Shields.

The bullpen also continued to impress, as Glen Perkins, Phil Dumatrait, Jason Bulger, Liam Hendriks, Tyler Robertson and Daryl Thompson each threw a scoreless frame. It was good to see Bulger get through an inning, as he entered the game with an 81.00 ERA.

What went wrong: It might be nitpicking in a win, but the offense didn’t exactly light up the scoreboard with two runs in 10 innings.

Joe Mauer, serving as designated hitter while playing in his first road game, went 0-for-2 with a walk and is batting .200 this spring. Trevor Plouffe went 0-for-4 with a strikeout to see his batting average drop to .118.

But the defense was solid yet again — outside of the botched pitchout — and the Twins have pitched well over their last five games.

What they said: “He got the ball and asked me if I’d sign it for him,” Gardenhire said about Bulger’s scoreless inning. “He said, ‘That’s the first time all spring you haven’t taken it from me.’ That’s entertainment.”

What’s next: Left-hander Francisco Liriano is set to make his third Grapefruit League start on Tuesday against the split-squad Blue Jays at 12:05 p.m. CT at Hammond Stadium. Lirano has yet to give up a run over five innings in Spring Training. Jared Burton, Matt Maloney and Sam Deduno are also scheduled to pitch for the Twins. Left-hander Brett Cecil starts for Toronto.

Injury update: Center fielder Denard Span stayed back at the club’s Spring Training complex on Monday to take some swings in the cage and see a chiropractor after missing Sunday’s game with neck stiffness. Span, who said the injury is not related to the concussion-like symptoms that plagued him last year, could return to the lineup on Tuesday. … Infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka missed Monday’s game with a sprained left pinkie, and remains day to day.

Games 2/3: Twins earn split vs. Rays, Red Sox

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Twins split Sunday’s games with a 5-3 win over the Rays in Port Charlotte and an 8-3 loss to the Red Sox in Fort Myers.

It marked the Twins’ first split-squad action of the spring, as they don’t play in any more split-squads until March 16, when they host the Orioles and travel to face the Red Sox.

What went right: Both starters for the Twins — Francisco Liriano and Terry Doyle — tossed two scoreless innings in their Grapefruit League debuts. Liriano allowed one hit and walked one with two strikeouts against the Red Sox. And Doyle didn’t allow a hit and walked one with a strikeout against the Rays.

First baseman Chris Parmelee and catcher J.R. Towles both hit two-run homers to help lead the Twins to their win over the Rays at Charlotte Sports Park. Alexi Casilla went 3-for-5 and Trevor Plouffe went 2-for-3 in that game.

Ben Revere paced the offense at JetBlue Park, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs, including a leadoff single against Josh Beckett. Ray Chang went 1-for-1 with two walks, but left the 8-3 loss early after taking a knee the jaw in the seventh inning while trying to break up a double play.

What went wrong: Jason Bulger, who is trying to make the club as a reliever, struggled mightily against the Red Sox, allowing five runs on four walks and two hits — including a Lars Anderson grand slam — while recording just one out.

The Twins made several sloppy plays against the Red Sox, including an error by third baseman Sean Burroughs and an ill-advised throw home on the same play by Tsuyoshi Nishioka. Revere also made a baserunning gaffe late in the game.

What they said: “The first batter I was kind of all over the place but after that I kind of made some adjustments,” said Liriano, who threw 13 of his 25 pitches for strikes. “I was throwing the ball down and working the fastball better.”

What’s next: The Twins play their first and only night game of the spring on Monday, as they play host to the Red Sox at Hammond Stadium at 6:05 p.m. CT in a game that will be televised on FS North. Right-hander Jason Marquis is set to make his Grapefruit League debut with the Twins against Red Sox right-hander Clay Buhholz. Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Denard Span, Ryan Doumit and Josh Willingham — who didn’t play on Sunday — are expected to return to action Monday night.

Injury update: Right-hander Joel Zumaya elected to undergo Tommy John surgery later this month, according to assistant general manager Rob Antony. He hasn’t decided if he will rehab on his own or with the Twins. … Infielder Luke Hughes (strained right shoulder) made his Grapefruit League debut against the Red Sox, going 0-for-3 as a designated hitter. He also took infield practice and threw to first base without any issues. … Infielder Ray Chang took a knee to the jaw trying to break up a double play, but said after the game he was OK.

Day 7: Zumaya’s injury dampens day

FORT MYERS, Fla. — It was supposed to be just another day of full workouts at the Lee County Sports Complex, but it all changed after just 13 pitches from right-hander Joel Zumaya.

Zumaya, throwing live batting practice for the first time this spring, felt discomfort in his right elbow and cut his throwing session short.

He’s scheduled to have an MRI tomorrow morning, and we should get the results by tomorrow night or Monday morning, according to Twins general manager Terry Ryan.

The Twins are hopeful he just broke up some scar tissue — similar to what Joe Nathan experienced last year before he came back even stronger after a stint on the DL — but considering his injury history, there’s a reason to be concerned. Worst-case, Zumaya will need Tommy John surgery, which he’s never had done despite his lengthy list of injuries.

Speaking of Tommy John surgery, Twins GM Terry Ryan shared some positive news about prospect Kyle Gibson, who had the surgery done on Sept. 7. Ryan said he expects Gibson to be back in action this summer, which means he’s recovering at a good rate considering most pitchers need about 12 months to come back after the surgery.

“He’ll pitch this summer,” Ryan said. “I think we anticipate him pitching this summer. In fact, I don’t think, I know. It’s not anything different than the schedule.”

Other notes from today:
- The Twins are trying to get Ben Revere to bunt more this year, as he squared up to bunt just 15 times last year in 481 plate appearances, recording four hits and three sacrifices. He’s been working with Jerry White and Rod Carew to improve his technique.

- Former shortstop Trevor Plouffe is working out with the outfielders, as he prepares to become the club’s fourth outfielder. He’ll also get some work in the infield soon, but the Twins are more worried about getting him comfortable as a corner outfielder.

- Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he’s impressed by Danny Valencia so far in camp, as he worked hard to improve his fielding. “He’s way better,” Gardenhire said. “He’s bent over, he’s going to the ball low. As he told me, that was an adjustment. That was a big adjustment for him, because he’s so used to standing up and going after a ball and having to go all the way back down to the ground.”

- Ryan praised both catcher J.R. Towles and infielder/outfielder Steve Pearce, as they were both former top prospects with the Astros and Pirates, respectively, before signing Minor League deals with the Twins this offseason. Towles will get a fair shake to battle Butera for the third catcher spot, while Pearce will get a shot as a utility player who could see time at first base, outfield and third base.

- Alexi Casilla is bothered by a sore calf, but has been participating in the workouts with no problems. Luke Hughes, who has a strained right shoulder, still can’t throw yet, but has been fielding grounders all over the infield.

Here’s video of Zumaya throwing to Justin Morneau shortly before his injury.

And here’s photos from today’s workouts, including of Zumaya before his injury:

Casilla to the DL (Game 105 vs. Texas)

ARLINGTON — The Twins received a blow to their middle infield today, as second baseman Alexi Casilla was diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, and is expected to be out for two to three weeks, according to head trainer Rick McWane.

Casilla, who injured himself while legging out a double in the ninth inning of Wednesday’s 7-2 win against the Rangers, is scheduled to be placed on the disabled list after tonight’s game. Infielder Luke Hughes is expected to be recalled in his place.

Additionally, to bolster their middle infield depth, the Twins recalled second baseman Matt Tolbert from Triple-A Rochester, and optioned left-hander Chuck James to Rochester to give the Twins 12 pitchers on their active roster.

“He’s our second-hole hitter and was swinging great and playing great defense,” Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said of Casilla. “He’s doing all the things you’d like to see, and his head has been in the game. And then all of a sudden this happens. Our depth in the middle infield isn’t the greatest, so you can’t afford too many injuries like that. Some people will have to step up.”

Casilla, who was hitting .259/.322/.369 with 15 stolen bases and a team-high 21 doubles in 96 games this season, said he’s hopeful that he can return to action as soon as he’s eligible to be activated from the disabled list on Aug. 12.

“It’s pretty much the same as yesterday,” Casilla said. “I kind of pulled it a little bit, so I’m going on the DL and going back to Minnesota to take care of it over there. I don’t think I’ll need a [rehab] assignment. I’ll be ready in 15 days. … I hope they don’t send me on an assignment. I’ll say no because it’s too much time.”

In the meantime, the Twins will have to rely on a combination of Tolbert, Hughes and Trevor Plouffe at second base with Casilla out of action.

Tolbert, who hit .181 in 55 games with the Twins before being optioned on July 18, started at second base against the Rangers on Thursday.

And shortstop Tsuyoshi Nishioka is expected to bat second in Casilla’s absence, as Gardenhire said he’s hopeful he can handle the bat the way Casilla did in the two-hole.

“I’m hoping Nishi handles it very well,” Gardenhire said. “When we signed him, we were hoping he’d be at the top of the lineup. So maybe this will get his confidence going a little bit.”

Memorial Day: Twins vs. Tigers (Game 52)

Designated hitter Jim Thome, who had a cortisone shot in his left shoulder after Saturday’s game, returns to the lineup today against the Tigers and is batting sixth after sitting out on Sunday.

With Thome back in there, Michael Cuddyer moves to second base and Alexi Casilla goes back to shortstop with Trevor Plouffe on the bench after airmailing two throws in Sunday’s 6-5 loss to the Angels. The Twins are hoping Casilla continues to swing a hot bat — he’s hitting .529 (9-for-17) with three doubles and a triple over his last five games — and that it carries over on the road, as he’s hitting just .160/.232/.240 away from Target Field this year.

Here are the lineups for the 12:10 p.m. CT start against the Tigers at Comerica Park:

Twins (17-34)

1. Denard Span, CF
2. Alexi Casilla, SS
3. Jason Kubel, RF
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Michael Cuddyer, 2B
6. Jim Thome, DH
7. Delmon Young, LF
8. Danny Valencia, 3B
9. Rene Rivera, C

RHP Nick Blackburn (4-4, 3.20 ERA, 1.75 K/BB, 4.41 FIP)

Tigers (26-26)

1. Austin Jackson, CF
2. Andy Dirks, LF
3. Brennan Boesch, RF
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. Victor Martinez, DH
6. Jhonny Perlata, SS
7. Alex Avila, C
8. Ryan Raburn, 2B
9. Brandon Inge, 3B

RHP Brad Penny (4-4, 4.45 ERA, 1.23 K/BB, 4.49 FIP)

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