After what apparently was a spirited conference call with Justin Morneau, the first baseman will join the Twins on Friday, in time for a three-game series in Cleveland.

Morneau, currently on a rehab assignment at Class AAA Rochester, will play for the Red Wings tonight and tomorrow, then join the Twins. He entered tonight batting .409 in five games with Rochester.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said before tonight's game that Morneau informed him and GM Bill Smith that he was ready to get out of Rochester,and the manager said there have been good reports on No. 33.

Once Morneau returns,the M & M boys will be reunited. Morneau and Joe Mauer have played nine games together since July 7 of last year. Morneau hasn't played in a playoff game since 2006.

We harp on all the shortcomings. That might be the biggest of them all.

OTHER NEWS

  • Alexi Casilla is will be activated in time for Friday's game too. It will be interesting to see who goes to Rochester to make room for Casilla and Morneau.
  • Ben Revere has some experience in right field. Apparently, he played some right field at Rochester with Rene Tosoni in center. So Revere is in right tonight. I don't agree with the move.
  • Looks like the Twins will go down to the wire to sign first-round pick Levi Michael and other high picks. The deadline is Monday. They are confident they will sign Michael.

Red Sox (72-43)

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Marco Scutaro, SS
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Carl Crawford, LF
7. Salty, C
8. Josh Reddick, RF
9. Mike Aviles, 2B

Pitching: Jon Lester, LHP

Twins (51-65)

1. Dernard Span CF
2. Ben Revere RF
3. Joe Mauer C
4. Michael Cuddyer 1B
5. Jim Thome DH
6. Danny Valencia 3B
7. Delmon Young LF
8. Trevor Plouffe 2B
9. Tsuyohsi Nishioka SS

Pitching: Nick Blackburn, RHP