Postponement keeps Twins from playing short again

MINNEAPOLIS – Rain has spared the Minnesota Twins from playing short-handed again, with Justin Morneau and Delmon Young still recovering from ailments.

Morneau has a stomach virus, and Young has sore ribs. Neither were in the lineup Friday against the Cleveland Indians, but the game was called about a half-hour before first pitch. Several hours of steady, cold rain forced the postponement to an unscheduled date in either July or September.

Manager Ron Gardenhire said as he left his office that Young felt fine after pregame swings in the batting cage. Morneau was also feeling well enough to give Saturday's game a try.

Young hasn't played since Monday. Morneau hasn't played since Saturday.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins are still playing short-handed, with Justin Morneau and Delmon Young out of the lineup yet another day.

Morneau has a stomach virus, and Young has sore ribs.

Manager Ron Gardenhire said before Friday's game against Cleveland that neither Morneau nor Young is ready to play, but Young could be used as a pinch-runner if pregame swings in the batting cage don't cause pain.

Young hasn't played since Monday. An MRI test showed no damage, but Gardenhire says if Young is still hurting he would be placed on the disabled list.

Morneau hasn't played since Saturday, and Gardenhire says he might be ready this weekend. The manager says the first baseman has a stiff neck and had a shot to relieve inflammation.