SS Brian Dozier was the franchise’s minor league player of the year in 2011 and impressed manager Ron Gardenhire during spring training, his second on the big league side. He also has been terrific in his first season of Class AAA baseball, hitting .333 (18-for-54) with a .400 on-base percentage, six doubles a homer and six RBI through Thursday. But barring an injury, it appears Dozier, 24, will be in Rochester for a while longer, even after the Twins designated INF Luke Hughes for assignment or release on Wednesday.
LHP Glen Perkins returned to the mound Thursday for the first time since having an MRI on his forearm and pitched a scoreless ninth. He had weakness in the top of his forearm, which was alleviated by anti-inflammatory medication.
RHP Anthony Swarzak allowed three home runs to Curtis Granderson in a 7-6 loss to the Yankees. “He sees the ball pretty well off me apparently, and I’ve got to try to find a way to get him out,” Swarzak said. “Maybe I’ll switch and pitch lefty the next time, I don’t know.”
