Twins 1B Justin Morneau will be participating in pregame activities before the team's game in Toronto tonight and could be aiming for a return in the Division Series next week to open the playoffs. Prior to suffering a concussion on July 7 Morneau was hitting .345 with 18 HR and 56 RBI in 81 games, but he has not played since and the Twins have actually played better in his absence. On July 7 they were 45-39, 1.5 games behind Detroit, and since they are 48-26 and have clinched the AL Central title. Getting Morneau's bat back into the lineup would be a big plus for the Twins, but I am concerned about the amount of time it will take him to find his swing and get into a groove. If he can come in and pick up where he left off, then the Twins would be crazy not to put him back in the lineup. However, there is a huge difference in coming back mid-season from an injury and getting your swing back while playing 3 meaningless games against the Royals in Kansas City and rehabbing and getting your swing back in 3 pressure packed games in the Bronx against the Yankees. If Morneau is going to be back, hopefully he can pick up where he left off right away and he and the Twins can usher the Yankees out of the playoffs.
Note - After this post was originally published the Twins announced that Morneau will not be available for the ALDS, but might be available for the ALCS, if the Twins advance that far.
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