MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Twins outfielder Josh Willingham has been scratched from the lineup against the New York Yankees with discomfort in his left knee.
Willingham was slotted to be the designated hitter in the series opener Monday night. But the Twins say he experienced increasing discomfort in his knee as he went through his pregame routine. He is scheduled to have an MRI on Tuesday.
Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire shuffled his lineup to accommodate the injury. He moved Trevor Plouffe from third base to DH and inserted Jamey Carroll at third base.
The Twins also were missing catcher Joe Mauer, given the day off after coming to the ballpark feeling under the weather. Mauer’s 74 games played are tied with Justin Morneau for most on the Twins.
