Alexi Casilla, out since July 29th, could be back in the lineup sooner than first expected.
"He said it looks good," Gardenhire said. "He seems to think he'll be able to start activity next week and go from there. He'll be in a splint for another week and start working out with us and start taking batting practice next week. Right now, everything is good."
Michael Cuddyer, left index finger
Cuddyer played in his first rehab game last night with AAA Rochester, going 1-3 with a BB and a SO. Provided all goes well he's expected to be back with the Twins on August 10th.
The return of Cuddyer presents the Twins with a dilemma, four outfielders and three positions. Young, Span and Gomez are playing well right now so it will be interesting to see how Gardenhire juggles the playing time.
Alexi Casilla, 15-day DL, right thumb
Casilla is resting in the hopes that he can get well enough to come back in September. He's wearing a splint and doing rehab but Gardenhire made sure to point out that if there is a chance he will do further damage than he'll be shelved.
Casilla has the promise of being the Twins regular 2B for a while so they won't take any chances with his long term health, and they have a decent amount of infield depth, so it's not the end of the world if he misses the rest of the year.
Pat Neshek, 60-day DL, right elbow
Neshek has been playing catch down in Fort Myers and he has reported no problems so far, but Gardenhire cautioned that "it's still very early in the process."
Neshek would be a big boost to an overworked bullpen down the stretch and add more value to the team than either of the two players above where the Twins have depth, but his return by the end of the year is probably less than 50-50.
Alexi Castilla was placed on the 15-day DL today with a torn tendon in his right thumb. Adam Everett has been recalled to take his place on the roster, although thankfully, it looks like his lineup spot will be taken by Nick Punto.
