MINNEAPOLIS — Twins outfielder Jason Kubel’s left knee remains swollen, sidelining him for Minnesota’s game Saturday against the Brewers.
Kubel’s MRI showed no damage, and Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire said he has a bone bruise, nothing more. Kubel is expected back today or Monday.
The Twins’ primary designated hitter, Kubel entered the weekend seventh in the AL with a .336 batting average. He was playing left field Thursday when he jammed the knee trying to make a catch in the gap.
With Delmon Young at his mother’s funeral, the Twins were missing two players on the active roster and faced Milwaukee without any backup outfielders. Infielders Nick Punto and Matt Tolbert were the emergency replacements.
Footnotes.
The Indians placed right-handed starter Anthony Reyes and left-hander Aaron Laffey on the 15-day disabled list and recalled left-handers Jeremy Sowers and Rich Rundles from Triple-A Columbus to fill those roster spots.
• It will be at least a few more days before the Cardinals activate outfielder Rick Ankiel.
Manager Tony La Russa said Ankiel will not be ready for today’s game against the Royals. Ankiel has been sidelined with a bruised right shoulder after crashing headfirst into an outfield wall May 4.
• Shortstop Yunel Escobar was scratched from the Braves’ lineup against the Blue Jays. Escobar has a strained right hip flexor and is listed as day to day.
• Brewers shortstop J.J. Hardy will be held out of the lineup for the rest of the series at Minnesota because of back spasms.
The Associated Press
