Paddack dodges serious injury after being hit by liner
Matthew Leach
@matthewhleachFORT MYERS, Fla. -- Twins right-hander Chris Paddack dodged serious injury on Saturday when he was struck by a line drive in the third inning.
The ball, off the bat of Red Sox second baseman Kristian Campbell, first hit Paddack’s glove before striking him on the side of the head. Paddack sat on the ground for a while and then walked off and did not return to the game. He had previously been struck on the arm by a batted ball but stayed in the game.
According to a club spokesman, Paddack was “removed with a head contusion. He does not have a concussion, and is not in concussion protocol. His glove caught most of the ball.”
Paddack is slated to open the season in the Twins’ starting rotation. He pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings before leaving the game, allowing three hits, no walks and striking out two.
“You're never hoping to see that,” said manager Rocco Baldelli after Minnesota's 9-8 walk-off win at Hammond Stadium. “That's very rare and unfortunate and all that. But I think he's going to be OK. … The ball deflected off of his glove, the webbing of his glove, and probably kind of lessened the impact, who knows how much, but he seems like himself.”
Injury updates
Twins head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta delivered a series of injury updates on Saturday morning, and they ranged from quite encouraging to quite discouraging, with plenty in between.
The most encouraging news came regarding right-hander Zebby Matthews, who left Thursday’s game in Tampa due to hip discomfort. Matthews is “doing well,” according to Paparesta, and is scheduled to throw a bullpen Sunday. It’s conceivable he could pitch in a game a few days after that.
The most discouraging was about veteran righty Erasmo Ramírez, who has quickly become a popular figure in the clubhouse since signing as a non-roster invitee. Ramírez has what Paparesta called a “fairly significant strain” in his left shoulder. It will be a matter of weeks before he can even resume throwing.
Other noteworthy updates
? Righty Matt Canterino has a right shoulder strain and will visit Dr. Keith Meister for further consultation next week. Paparesta said Canterino’s injury is similar to the one he suffered last spring.
? Right-hander Michael Tonkin also has a right shoulder strain and will be reevaluated in 7-10 days. At a minimum, the club feels good that he will be able to avoid surgery.
? Right-hander Justin Topa is farther along than some of his fellow bullpen candidates, dealing with what Paparesta called “right shoulder tightness.” He’s scheduled to play catch on Sunday.
? No. 2 prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez, who is recovering from a sprained ankle and who missed the end of last season due to a thumb injury that required surgery, could get into a game within the next week. He took live batting practice on Friday for the first time since he injured the ankle.
Raya struggles in return
Marco Raya, the Twins’ No. 6 prospect, returned from injury on Saturday but had a difficult time finding the strike zone in his first Major League Spring Training game appearance. Raya suffered a mild left quadriceps strain early in camp, and the eighth-inning appearance against the Red Sox marked his Grapefruit League debut.
Unfortunately, he did not record an out. Raya faced five Red Sox, issuing two walks and hitting three batters. All five men scored, thanks to a grand slam by Trayce Thompson, the first batter after Raya was removed.
“I think as he gains comfort at this level -- and he can clearly get outs at this level, he has tremendous stuff -- he's going to be fine,” Baldelli said. “But I think … an outing like that can teach you a whole lot about yourself, and I would expect to see a different version the next time he faces Major League hitters.”
Twins tidbits
Jhoan Duran threw seven pitches (six strikes) to get three outs. He threw threw three fastballs, at 99.8, 100.1, and 100.8 mph, and a splitter at 97.8. The Red Sox did not hit a ball out of the infield against him, going popup, strikeout, groundout. … Infielder Armando Alvarez was ejected from the game in the ninth inning following a disagreement with an umpire. … Ty France continued his torrid camp, going 2-for-3 with a home run, a double and four RBIs. He’s hitting .550/.591/1.050 for the spring.