Corey

Koskie

Wait for the latest on Koskie’s status before you considering activating him next week.

Alex Prieto, not David Lamb or Shane Andrews, apparently will be called up to replace Koskie.

Koskie said he hasn’t had any setbacks, but it also doesn’t look like he has improved enough to consider being activated Sunday, when he’s eligible to come off the DL.

Koskie’s lateral movements in the field have become more fluid during recent workouts, and the Twins’ third baseman has been very encourageed. He may be ready to return to action as soon as the begining of next week.

Gardenhire later said he thinks Koskie could return before the playoffs.

Koskie plans to have more tests done on the ankle Monday. “I’d like to be back sooner,” he said. “Hopefully the test shows there’s nothing there, and it comes down to what I can tolerate.” Right now, he is expected to miss the next week to 10 days. Mike Cuddyer will start in his place.

Michael Cuddyer will fill in at third base as long as Koskie is out.

“Yes, we have some interest in Koskie and we’ve told his representatives that we’re interested,” GM J.P. Ricciardi said yesterday. “Koskie’s name has come up in a lot in our discussions.” The Jays probably won’t sign Koskie unless they can find a team willing to take Eric Hinske’s contract. They definitely won’t agree to terms with him before the Dec. 7 arbitration deadline.

The Expos attempted to sign Koskie before inking Vinny Castilla, but he wanted more money and years than Castilla got. A three-year, $15 million contract seems appropriate, though with as generous as teams have been so far, he might want to ask for more. The Blue Jays, Mariners and Tigers are interested.

It’s believed the team has just a two-year, $7 million proposal on the table to Koskie. The Mariners reportedly have also offered Koskie a contract, and the Blue Jays and Tigers remain interested in his services.