Casilla on the comeback trail

Alexi Casilla will give his sore thumb a test tonight at Class A Beloit. The second baseman has been one of the nicest surprises this season solidfying the starting 2B role making great plays in the field and being a terrific table setter at the top of the order for Mauer, Morneau, Kubel, and Young. Casilla's breakout year consists of a .313 average with 39 RBIs and a .351 OBP.

Some may argue the Twins have been fine with all their middle infield depth, but in my opinion the loss of Casilla has hurt. This injury has allowed Nick Punto to play nearly everyday and even bat second in the order. With Casilla expected to rejoin the team on the 14-game roadtrip starting midweek Punto better be ready to fight for some playing time.

Getting Casilla back will hopefully provide a little boost as the Twins begin a grueling roadtrip. I believe Punto, Adam Everett, and Brendan Harris should be platooning at shortstop with Punto and Harris giving rookie Brian Buscher a break every few days at thirdbase. Now if we can just get Pat Neshek back to help our bullpen!!!

The Twins pulled off the sweep of the Mariners this weekend and now get to play another struggling AL West team. Tonight at the dome, Nick Blackburn faces off against Oakland's All-Star Justin Duscherer.