The Twins put an end to catcher Joe Mauer’s season on Friday due to a case of pneumonia.
Now it’s Justin Morneau’s turn.
According to Phil Mackey of 1500ESPN, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire acknowledged on a radio program Sunday that his first baseman is unlikely to return this year due to ongoing complications related to a severe concussion that he suffered in mid-2010.
Morneau began experiencing renewed symptoms (like headaches and dizziness) late last month after diving for a ball near first base. Those symptoms are being labeled as “mild,” but the Twins’ medical staff knows better than to push it with a major head injury that has already cost the player over four months.
Morneau struggled mightily this year, batting just .227/.285/.333 with four home runs, 16 doubles and 30 RBI in 69 games. There’s no telling if he’ll ever fully recover from that July 2010 collision at second base.
UPDATE, 12:29pm: Mackey has confirmed that Morneau has indeed been shut down for the year. The first baseman is also scheduled to undergo a minor procedure to remove a cyst from his left knee.