Morrison's act goes national on ESPN2
Twins first baseman Logan Morrison entertained ESPN2 viewers on Thursday as he wore a microphone for an inning.
Morrison spoke with the crew of Jessica Mendoza, Alex Rodriguez and Matt Vasgersian while he played first base in the second inning. When the Yankees' Shane Robinson reached on a single, he warned the former Twins outfielder that he was wired but encouraged him to say hello to his mother.
Morrison, during an exchange with Rodriguez, told the former superstar that he looks good in the booth. A-Rod replied that he's a better fit for radio, to which Morrison responded, "My wife wishes I looked like you."
Morrison wore the microphone to the plate in the bottom of the inning, greeting Yankees catcher Austin Romine and plate umpire with warnings that he was wired, plus another request to salute their mothers. Romine could be heard in the background calling Morrison "the worst person to give a microphone to." Morrison flew out to right and was 0-for-2 in the game.
Pressly has foot issue
The Twins training staff had to check on reliever Ryan Pressly in the eighth inning after he got Brandon Drury to fly out for the second out.
Pitching coach Garvin Alston and assistant trainer Masa Abe went to the mound after Pressly looked to be in discomfort. He was. He was ripping the skin off the inside of his right foot with each pitch.
"It's spring training and there's no adrenaline," Pressly said. "So it hurt. Normally I wouldn't notice it."
After a few moments, Pressly resumed throwing. He walked Tyler Austin but got Romine to ground out to end the inning.
Reds pick up Vargas
It's not the perfect fit, but Kennys Vargas remains in the major leagues for now.
The first baseman was claimed off waivers Thursday by Cincinnati. The 277-pound Vargas is built like a first baseman-designated hitter, so his DH days will be relegated to when the Reds are on the road in interleague play.
One of those series will be at Target Field on April 27-29.
The Reds also have star first baseman Joey Votto, so Vargas might find at-bats hard to come by.
Vargas was designated for assignment last Friday.
Etc.
• Jose Berrios will start the exhibition game against the Nationals on Tuesday in Washington.
• Twins shortstop prospect Wander Javier on Thursday missed his fourth consecutive game because of left shoulder soreness. The Twins don't believe it's a serious issue and expect him to be back on the field soon.
• The Orioles announced righthander Dylan Bundy as their Opening Day starter against the Twins, the same day the Twins announced that Jake Odorizzi will open for them.
• Johan Santana, who lives just a few miles from the CenturyLink Sports Complex, visited the team Thursday and went over some details regarding his induction into the Twins Hall of Fame on Aug. 4.
• Twins owner Jim Pohlad, in town this week, was at Thursday's game.
On deck
Lance Lynn will make his second appearance for the Twins when he faces Houston on Friday at Hammond Field. Eddie Rosario will play his second game in left field after recovering from a strained triceps. Righthander Trent Thornton will start for the Astros.
La VELLE E. NEAL III
