The Twins will make a roster move prior to tonight’s game against Chicago, perhaps adding Nishioka to replace Morneau who went on the disabled list yesterday with a left wrist strain.
New Britain right-hander Liam Hendriks is the Twins Minor League Player of the Week for June 4-10. The Australian native started two games, with a 2-0 record over 13 innings including 10 strikeouts and a 0.69 ERA.
The Twins’ bullpen has allowed just three earned runs in 27.2 innings since June 1.
Harmon Killebrew, who passed away last month, would have been 75 on June 29. His foundation will have a promotion that day on the Budweiser Roof Deck at Target Field where the Twins will play the Dodgers. Tickets are $150 and include access to the deck, plus food and beverages for the game. Net ticket proceeds benefit the Legacy Program of the Harmon Killebrew Foundation. More at www.harmonkillebrewfoundation.org
Former Timberwolves’ head coach Dwane Casey had his profile raised in the NBA Finals. Casey’s role as a Dallas assistant in helping orchestrate the Mavericks’ zone defense was impressive and a factor in winning the NBA title. He did an admirable job with the Wolves in a short time, going 20 and 20 (2006-07 season) and seems likely to receive another NBA offer. But if the Timberwolves replace coach Kurt Rambis, it would be surprising if Casey is considered for the job.
The June 13 issue of Sports Illustrated praised Ricky Rubio in a one page feature comparing the soon-to-be Timberwolf with NBA star Steve Nash’s ability to “draw in defenses” and pass to an open teammate, or finish the play at the basket. The article also quoted an anonymous scout as saying the 20-year-old Spaniard performs like “he was born to play point guard.”
St. Thomas Academy offensive guard Isaac Hayes is ranked No. 116 among the ESPN-U top 150 senior prep players. The ESPN.com website reports Hayes hasn’t made a college commitment.
The University of St. Thomas is interested in Jack Gilliland, a wide receiver and kick returner from a private high school in Simi Valley, California. A senior in 2011-12, Gilliland is a dynamic playmaker and could draw interest from the Gophers.
Augsburg golfer Stefani Zappa, a senior from Patrick Henry High, is the MIAC nominee for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. The award honors senior student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in academic achievement, athletics, service, and leadership.