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Span scratched feeling light-headed

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By Kelly Thesier / MLB.com

05/24/09 7:54 PM ET

MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins outfielder Denard Span was scratched from the lineup for Sunday night's game against the Brewers due to feeling light-headed and lethargic, manager Ron Gardenhire said.

Span was in the outfield at the start of batting practice, but he did not hit. Just before his hitting group was set to take their swings, Span talked to the club's training staff and then headed back up to the clubhouse.

Gardenhire said he was informed just before batting practice of how Span was feeling, but he waited to see if Span could hit before making a lineup change. Span, who was slated to start in left field Sunday, told his skipper that he's been feeling a little light-headed the past few days but was able to play through it.

To replace Span in the lineup for the series finale against the Brewers, Gardenhire moved Carlos Gomez up to the leadoff spot and slotted Delmon Young in left field, batting eighth. Span has been the club's everyday leadoff hitter this season, batting .302 with three homers and 21 RBIs in the spot.

Span was scheduled to be examined by team doctors before Sunday night's game. Gardenhire said the feeling is that it could be an inner ear infection causing Span's symptoms but that they would know more after doctors examined him.

"I don't know how many days this is going to be," Gardenhire said.

Gardenhire considered Span unavailable for the game, even off of the bench. With a day game scheduled for Monday against the Red Sox, Gardenhire said he's unsure whether Span will be available for that contest as well.

As for reserve outfielders, Gardenhire said that he was down to infielder Matt Tolbert as his only option off the bench. Jason Kubel's swollen left knee was feeling better Sunday and he took batting practice. But Gardenhire said that Kubel would be considered "emergency only" for the outfield.

Kelly Thesier is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.