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Twins: Luis Rivas sent to Rochester AAA


rangercal

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Luis Rivas, who debuted with the Twins in 2000 and was their starting second baseman for three division championships, was optioned to Class AAA Rochester on Saturday to make room for infielder Michael Cuddyer, who will be activated from the 15-day disabled list today.

 

Rivas hit .250 and didn't get an extra-base hit until last weekend in Kansas City.

 

He opened the season as the Twins' starting second baseman for the fifth consecutive season but lost his job to Nick Punto.

 

The impressive play of infielder Luis Rodriguez and the addition of former All-Star Bret Boone pushed Rivas farther down the pecking order.

 

"Somebody had to go down," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "I'm sure Luis isn't very happy. He's been here in the big leagues for a long time.

 

"He didn't play well early in the year. He had a back injury. He hasn't gotten many at-bats.

 

"He needs to go down and play. We don't want to lose him out of this organization."

 

When Rivas first joined the team, the organization felt it had a long-term answer at second base.

 

Rivas played very well defensively and showed signs of being a functional offensive player. But, for whatever reason, Rivas has regressed in recent years. He doesn't cover as much ground as he once did and doesn't get on base enough to do what he does best: steal bases.

 

Rivas softly said, "It's just the way everything is," as he packed and left the clubhouse.

 

Cuddyer has recovered from a bruised left hand. He will join the team for today's game against the Angels at the Metrodome.

 

Where's the swing?

 

Two scouts, one from an AL East team and another from a NL Central team, wondered before Saturday's game why Justin Morneau was swinging tentatively and pulling off the ball.

 

Gardenhire wondered the same thing and spoke with his should-be slugging first baseman.

 

"I told him to swing, let it fly," Gardenhire said. "If you're going to make an out, make a hard out. Get a pitch and let it fly."

 

Morneau has only one homer this month and three over his past 99 at-bats.

 

Gardenhire, while gesturing toward Kirby Puckett's banner hanging in right field, wants to see Morneau swing like he did early in the season."

 

"I want him to make Kirby Puckett wink," Gardenhire said.

 

Etc.

Edited by rangercal
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