Twins 2B Hudson likely headed for DL
June 6, 2010
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)—Minnesota second baseman Orlando Hudson(notes) is likely headedfor the disabled list with his surgically repaired left wrist healing slowlyfollowing a collision with Twins teammate Denard Span(notes).
Manager Ron Gardenhire and GM Bill Smith were still working to finalizetheir plan, but told Hudson of the impending move before Sunday’s series finaleagainst the Oakland Athletics. They must make roster room for Michael Cuddyer’s(notes)return from the bereavement list Tuesday. An announcement was expected as soonas after Sunday’s game.
While Hudson was confident he could be ready in “a few more days,”Gardenhire said he couldn’t afford to wait. The Twins already are short-handed.
“He’s the manager,” Hudson said. “He’s got to make the call. It is whatit is.”
Hudson, a four-time Gold Glove winner, sprinted out and Span charged in fromdeep in the outfield on a ninth-inning popup by Texas’ Vladimir Guerrero(notes) lastSunday with two on and two outs and Minnesota leading 6-3. Hudson’s left arm hitSpan’s midsection.
This is a discouraging development for the 32-year-old Hudson, who is in hisfirst season with a new team after struggling with injuries in recent seasonswith Arizona and the Dodgers.
Hudson had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his hand in 2007 and asurgery on his wrist in 2008. He was limited to 107 games in ’08 for theDiamondbacks, then played 149 last year for Los Angeles.
While Hudson could pinch run or pinch hit from the right side, Gardenhirewould rather not use him and waste the days Hudson has already missed that wouldbe applied to his 15-day DL stint. Hudson has been stretching and receivingtreatment on the wrist, which is still sore.
“He understands the situation. He’s a veteran,” Gardenhire said. “Myconcern is he still can’t swing left-handed. I don’t think it’s going to be acouple days. I need players. I’ve been patient here, too patient. I just don’twant to send a healthy player down.”
Hudson, a two-time All-Star, is batting .305 with three home runs and 16RBIs.
Shortstop J.J. Hardy(notes) also could go on the DL as soon as Tuesday. He, too,has an injured left wrist and isn’t swinging the bat, but has started taking anew medication. Gardenhire said the Twins would give Hardy until after Monday’sday off before making a decision on his status—giving the medicine a chance towork.
Hardy was scratched from Saturday night’s lineup. He already missed 13 gamesfrom May 11-25 with a left wrist contusion.
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