RHP Liam Hendriks, who missed his scheduled 2012 debut start after suffering food poisoning last week in Baltimore, scattered seven hits and struck out four. He allowed only Mike Napoli’s solo home run in the fifth, before tiring after 84 pitches. “I was real happy with my start. Unfortunately, we couldn’t come away with the team win,” Hendriks said.
RHP Jason Marquis is set to be activated Wednesday for his Minnesota debut after two minor-league starts. He missed the final two weeks of spring training to be with his 7-year-old daughter, who is recuperating from a serious bicycle accident.
DH Justin Morneau continues to struggle in his new role as full-time designated hitter. He struck out three times and stranded four runners, killing one rally by bouncing into an inning-ending double play. He is hitting just .206 with 10 strikeouts. Morneau is lobbying to play more first base and manager Ron Gardenhire said he would play defense during the Twins’ upcoming road trip to New York and Tampa Bay.
LHP Glen Perkins faced three hitters in relief of Liam Hendriks but failed to retire anybody in yielding three runs, including Josh Hamilton’s 449-foot moon shot into the right-field upper deck. Texas pounded Perkins for five earned runs in two-thirds of an inning Saturday and Sunday.
OF Clete Thomas had an auspicious debut, smashing a two-run homer and unloading a strong relay from the right-field corner to help nail Adrian Beltre at the plate. Thomas did not have a single plate appearance with the Tigers, who waived him Saturday. The Twins optioned Ben Revere to Class AAA Rochester to make room for Thomas.
RHP Nick Blackburn had an MRI on his shoulder that revealed no structural damage after he was removed in the sixth inning of Saturday’s loss because of tightness. He plans to throw his regular bullpen Tuesday and expects to make his next start Thursday against the Yankees in New York.
