One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

The Twins pulled off a nice win in extra innings today against Cleveland but came out of the win in much worse shape than we did entering today's game.

In a horrible turn of events Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, and Nick Punto left the game with injuries. Ugh...

Let me repeat that for emphasis: Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, and Nick Punto left the game with injuries.

Nothing quite like losing your first basement, second basemen, and catcher to put a real damper on the win. The good news is that neither M&M boy has a serious injury.

Morneau tweaked his left elbow while hitting balls off a tee before the game and was replaced after going 0-for-2 against Indians starter Scott Elarton. Morneau was taken for X-rays after the game and his status is uncertain.Punto is headed to the disabled list after pulling his right hamstring while trying to steal second base."It'll be awhile for him," Gardenhire said.Mauer aggravated a groin strain that kept him out last month. He was removed from the lineup in the 12th inning.

Thats from ESPN. I hear now that Morneau is day to day and should be back in a bit. Mauer and his groin could be a problem for a while I think. He keeps aggravating it so who knows how much it will affect his playing time. I presume that he will see more time at DH.

For Punto, after finally ousting Rivas from second, getting hurt is just salt in the wound. I hope his stint on the DL isn't as long as advertised when we find out the extent of his hamstring pull.

Terry Tiffee will be called up to replace Punto on the roster. The interesting thing is that he does not play second base. This leads me to the hopeful conclusion that Michael Cuddyer will see time at second base and TT will play some third base. I have been wrong before when predicting what Gardy will do so we will see.

My biggest hope is that none of these injuries will be long term or drag out all season like Mauer's knee did last year.

Ugh.