NewsTolbert's winning attitude a great addition
Minnesota (68-67) at Cleveland (59-76), 12:05 p.m. CT
By Matt ODonnell / MLB.com
09/05/09 11:27 PM ET
CLEVELAND -- Matt Tolbert isn't going to impress many people with his stats or athletic ability. But he has already made an impression with his work ethic. Tolbert, who will be with the Twins for the series finale Sunday against the Indians at Progressive Field, was recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Friday. He struggled in his previous stint with the Twins this season, but it wasn't for lack of trying. "He's fun to watch work," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He's the same excited person." Tolbert started the season at Rochester, but was recalled in May. While he had some success in 2008 with the Twins, he couldn't repeat that success this season. The 27-year-old Tolbert hit just .178 with one home run and 12 RBIs in 48 games. So it didn't come as a surprise to him or anyone else when he was optioned back to the Minors in July. "It's going to be a fight my whole career," Tolbert said. "That's just the type of player that I am." Since being demoted, Tolbert has done what he does best -- work hard. He worked to get his swing back and become more consistent with his at-bats. And it seemed to work. Tolbert batted .288 with three homers and 22 RBIs in 56 games for the Red Wings. "The Major Leagues are a different ballgame," Tolbert said. "I just try to go out and give 110 percent. That's how I was raised. You can't perfect anything in baseball, but you can try." It's certainly not going to be any easier for Tolbert this time around. While he started 31 games at second base and two at third base in his previous stint with the team, he isn't likely to get anywhere near that kind of consistent playing time in September. With the Twins still trying to get back into the playoff hunt, Gardenhire said he will use him in spot situations. "Whatever he wants me to do," Tolbert said. "It's great to be back." Pitching matchupMIN: RHP Nick Blackburn (9-9, 4.16 ERA)
Blackburn earned a much-needed win with a seven-inning, one-run performance on Monday against the White Sox. It was Blackburn's first victory since July 10, a stretch in which he went 0-5 with an 8.22 ERA. On Monday, though, Blackburn was able to scatter six Chicago hits while striking out seven to push his record back to .500. He has posted a 1-2 record this year against Cleveland -- including a 1-1 mark at Progressive Field -- with a 5.17 ERA in three starts. CLE: LHP David Huff (8-7, 6.57 ERA)
Huff is creeping up on an innings cap that the Indians will use to preserve his arm, and that's why the club skipped him the last time through the rotation, with Carlos Carrasco taking his place Tuesday against the Tigers. Huff suffered an elbow injury in the Minors in 2007, and the Indians want to be careful with him, so they'll likely cut him off around 160 innings pitched between the Majors and Minors this season. He's currently at 140 2/3. Huff was solid against the Royals on Aug. 26, posting six innings of work, in which he allowed a pair of runs on seven hits with a walk and two strikeouts. Tidbits
It is unlikely that Glen Perkins will return to the Twins this season, Gardenhire said Saturday. Perkins reported to Rochester on Thursday, but he will be unable to pitch for a few days because of the shot he received for an MRI while seeking another opinion outside the organization on his inflamed left elbow. That leaves him little to no time to rehab since the Minor League season ends Tuesday. "I imagine he isn't going to pitch in Triple-A," Gardenhire said. "We just want him healthy. It's all about coming into Spring Training ready to go. We wanted him to pitch, but he's not feeling comfortable enough with his own arm." ... The rookie level Elizabethon Twins were swept in the Appalachian League finals by the Danville Braves. They had won the championship the past two seasons. ... With an 0-for-4 effort Friday, Denard Span's career-high-tying 10-game hitting streak came to an end. Tickets
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• Monday: Twins (Jeff Manship, 0-0, 3.75) at Blue Jays (Scott Richmond, 6-8, 4.53), 12:07 p.m. CT
• Tuesday: Twins (Brian Duensing, 2-1, 3.81) at Blue Jays (TBD), 6:07 p.m. CT
• Wednesday: Twins (Carl Pavano, 11-11, 5.09) at Blue Jays (TBD), 6:07 p.m. CT
Matt O'Donnell is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
