Alexi

Casilla

Casilla, the prospect the Twins acquired from the Angels for J.C. Romero in the offseason, is batting .320/.371/.396 with 28 steals in 33 attempts. The switch-hitter might be Minnesota’s second baseman of the future.

“The reports out of Minnesota is that he’s feeling pretty good and running,” assistant athletic trainer Dave Pruemer said. “So, we just need to get him back running the bases and see where we’re at with him.” Casilla has felt better before, only to have a setback, so while it’s good that he’s progressing, we’re not holding our breath for a possible return.

The Twins are calling it precautionary, so he’ll likely only need to miss a day or two. It doesn’t sound like something which will impact his ability to be ready for Opening Day.

No structural damage was found, so it doesn’t sound like anything serious. He’ll likely get back on the field in the next couple of days and should be fine for Opening Day.

Not surprising given that he’s yet to play at Triple-A, but Gardenhire also said that he wouldn’t hesitate making Dozier a starter if either shortstop Jamey Carrol or Alexi Casilla miss time due to injury. The 24-year-old batted .320/.399/.491 with nine homers, 56 RBI, 24 stolen bases and an .890 OPS between High-A Fort Myers and Double-A New Britain last season and was recently ranked as the organization’s No. 10 prospect by Baseball America.

Casilla has been troubled by a sore knee of late, but he’ll be good to go in the opener against the Orioles.

He also stole his third base of the season. Casilla is batting right around his career averages with a .271/.300/.313 triple slash.

An MRI ruled out any damage in Casilla’s right knee and he was given a cortisone shot over the weekend. The plan calls for him to play in another minor league game on Wednesday, so barring a last-minute setback, he should be ready to go for the start of the season.

Casilla is expected to test the knee on Tuesday. If he feels no lingering discomfort, the 27-year-old second baseman should be cleared for Friday’s regular-season opener.

He should be back to 100 percent in the next day or two. Trevor Plouffe will fill in at second base Monday while Chris Parmelee makes the start in left. Josh Willingham will serve as the DH.