Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Good sign for Garza?

Matt Garza said Tuesday that his next outing will be Friday, which puts him on five days' rest rather than the three- or four-day rotation he's been on.

He also said his pitch count has been moved up from 50 to 75 for Friday's outing, two good signs for the young righthander who is fighting for a spot in the rotation.

Roster moves and lineups

The Twins reassigned pitcher Mike Venafro, catchers Brad King and Matthew LeCroy, and infielders Tommy Watkins and Glenn Williams to minor league camp.

Venafro is the most noticeable of the roster moves, considering the lefty had a 0.00 earned run average in 10 innings this spring. That leaves seven relievers in camp -- Joe Nathan, Dennys Reyes, Jesse Crain, Matt Guerrier, Juan Rincon, Pat Neshek and J.D. Durbin. If the Twins go with 12 pitchers, no more bullpen cuts will be necessary. If they go with 11, it's likely Durbin will be the one to go.

Catcher Chris Heintz remains in camp while Joe Mauer is sidelined with the stress reaction in his left fibula, and Josh Rabe is hanging around while Rondell White nurses a sore hip.
Here are the lineups for today's game against New York, which is being broadcast on ESPN.

Minnesota
Luis Castillo 2B
Jason Kubel LF
Mike Redmond C
Michael Cuddyer RF
Justin Morneau 1B
Torii Hunter CF
Josh Rabe DH
Jeff Cirillo 3B
Jason Bartlett SS
Boof Bonser P

New York
Melky Cabrera LF
Robinson Cano 2B
Bobby Abreu RF
Jorge Posada C
Josh Phelps DH
Andy Phillips 1B
Chris Basak SS
Kevin Reese CF
Miguel Cairo 3B
Carl Pavano P