Minneapolis, MN (My Sportsbook) - Minnesota Twins first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz is expected to be sidelined for up to 10 days with a sprained left ankle. Mientkiewicz was injured during Sunday's 3-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox. After hitting a leadoff double in the second inning, Mientkiewicz advanced to third base. White Sox pitcher Esteban Loaiza's pitch then got away from catcher Miguel Olivo and Mientkiewicz took a few steps toward home plate. Olivo recovered the ball and fired a strike back to third base. Mientkiewicz broke back for the bag and as he was thrown out, stepped on third baseman Joe Crede's foot and turned the ankle. Mientkiewicz is batting .274 with three homers and 14 RBI this season. He is coming off a disappointing 2002 campaign for the AL Central champion Twins when he hit .261 with 10 home runs and 64 RBI in 143 games. In 2001, he batted .306 with 15 home runs and 74 RBI in 151 games and also captured the Gold Glove Award. |
