Twins first baseman Justin Morneau left Saturday’s game against Detroit after a throw bounced on the Metrodome turf and broke the nose of the American League MVP in the eighth inning.
Trainer Rick McWane treated Morneau to stop the bleeding. Morneau walked off and was replaced by Luis Rodriguez.
With Craig Monroe on first and the Tigers leading 8-2, third baseman Nick Punto caught a line drive hit by Brandon Inge and threw to Morneau to try for the double play. But the ball one-hopped Morneau and bounced off his nose.
Punto, miked by Fox for the regional telecast, was overheard saying, “I can’t buy a hit, and now I knock out the MVP.”
Morneau had his nose reset and said after the game that he planned to play Sunday.
Extra innings
Under a new policy, alcohol will continue to be available in the Padres’ clubhouse at home but will be limited. The team also said alcohol will not be served during the final two hours on team charter flights and not at all on flights to San Diego of less than two hours. … Atlanta’s Bobby Cox moved past Sparky Anderson into fourth place in career managerial victories Saturday when the Braves beat the Pirates, Cox’s 2,195th victory in the majors. … Former Cubs infielder Todd Walker, despite hitting .271, was designated for assignment by the Athletics.
