Watch CBS News

Twins' Morneau Regaining Strength After Surgery

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Twins first baseman Justin Morneau will try some light activities over the next two weeks, another step in his recovery from surgery to remove a fragment of a herniated disk from his neck.

Morneau had the operation on Wednesday, and Twins trainer Rick McWane said Friday doctors "were very happy with the outcome," and the slugger was already starting to regain some strength.

"The fact that his strength had already gotten better is a very good sign and encouraging," McWane said.

Morneau was placed on the 15-day disabled list last month with a strained left wrist. That also gave him time to rest his neck, but Morneau still dealt with weakness in the arm and numbness in his left hand.

After seeing a second neck specialist, the organization decided surgery was the best option to help Morneau regain the form that helped him win the 2006 AL MVP award. The surgery was expected to keep Morneau out an additional six weeks.

In other injury news, Jason Kubel was still a little sore a day after reaggravating his sprained left foot while on a rehab assignment with Class A Fort Myers. McWane said Kubel was feeling better Friday, took batting practice and ran, although he wasn't expected to play again until Sunday at the earliest.

Outfielder Delmon Young (strained oblique) also took batting practice Friday and is scheduled to travel to Triple-A Rochester on Sunday to being a rehab assignment. Pitcher Kevin Slowey (abdominal strain) also is scheduled to travel to Rochester this weekend and pitch Tuesday. Outfielder Denard Span (concussion) also worked out Friday, although it's unclear when he'll be able to take batting practice again.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.