The Twins' plans to open the season with an all-star switch hitter
in a key bench role was dealt a blow Sunday when Ruben Sierra injured
his right quadriceps fielding a routine grounder in right field.
Sierra, 40, was signed to be the Twins' top left-handed pinch
hitter, an occasional outfield backup and insurance at first base
(where he has taken grounders despite never playing the position in a
big-league game).
Team officials wouldn't speculate on the severity of his injury, but
if it turns out Sierra has even a minor pull, that likely means at
least a two-week recovery time and almost assures he would open the
season on the disabled list.
"For sure it's going to be more than a week," said Sierra, who was
hurt when he stepped into a depression in the grass as he reached for a
single hit by Tampa Bay's Rocco Baldelli. "I just need to make sure I
work hard now so I can come back sooner."
Although there's not much time to go before the opener, he said he's
optimistic about being ready. "I've been out before for two weeks and
pinch hit and hit a home run to win the game," he said.
NOTES, QUOTES
RHP Carlos Silva made his first start of the spring Sunday and
didn't look sharp -- something he attributed to being used as a
reliever for Team Venezuela during the World Baseball Classic and the
fact he went eight days between appearances. "My body feels good, but I
had no command today," said Silva, who said he was unhappy by the
decision to use him in relief in the tournament. "It's good to be back.
Now you're going to have your mind set for one thing: be ready for the
season. I'll be back in my routine. I know I'm going to be ready."OF Ruben Sierra, a non-roster invitee who's in camp on a minor
league contract, could open the season on the disabled list after
suffering a quadriceps injury Sunday. If he's not ready to open the
season, the team is allowed to place him on the minor league DL while
he recovers and put off a decision on how to clear a 40-man roster spot
for him.3B/1B Terry Tiffee could be the beneficiary, at least in the short
term, if OF Ruben Sierra is forced to the disabled list due to a
quadriceps injury. Until that possibility arose, Tiffee appeared
unlikely to crack the 25-man roster, even though he's hitting .359 this
spring. A switch hitter like Sierra, Tiffee spent part of last season
in a role similar to the one Sierra was expected to fill this season --
pinch hitter (particularly from the left side) and backup corner
infielder (Sierra is considered a backup only at first base). On the
other hand, Tiffee struggled in those roles and spent much of last
season in the minors.RHP Juan Rincon continues to be a concern for the Twins, manager
Ron Gardenhire said over the weekend when talking about whether there's
enough time for the team's top setup reliever to get prepared for the
season opener after spending all spring nursing a sore elbow. Rincon,
who had bone chips removed from the elbow over the winter, said the
muscle discomfort has improved over the past week, and he's scheduled
to throw again on the side Monday. He's scheduled for his first
Grapefruit League appearance on March 28.LHP Ricky Barrett and RHP Kevin Cameron were reassigned to the
Twins' minor league camp.After Sunday's game, manager Ron Gardenhire twice refused to talk
with reporters -- an uncharacteristic move for the generally
good-natured manager. It's the first time he has declined postgame
interviews since he became manager in 2002.