Column: Staff Notes

Justin Morneau will return to the Minnesota Twins starting lineup today for the first time since he was placed on the disabled list for what began as a sprained left wrist and turned into a recovery from neck surgery.

When he returns two questions remain: Which Morneau will we see and what does it mean for the lineup?

Will it be the power-hitting first baseman that hit .345 with 18 home runs in 81 games before a nagging concussion injury sidelined him for the rest of the 2010 season return?

Or could we see the return of the lackluster hitter that began this year hitting .225 with four home runs and 21 RBIs in 55 games before his stint on the DL?

During his rehab starts in Triple-A Rochester, Morneau has been showing signs of his old self. In six games with the Red Wings, the former four-time All-Star is hitting .423 with a home run, four doubles and eight RBIs.

His first big league test will come against Cleveland Indian’s pitcher Justin Masterson. Fortunately for Morneau he has owned Masterson at the dish, hitting .417 on 5-for-12 at bats with one double and one home run.=

The next issue will be how Ron Gardenhire adjusts the lineup for Morneau’s return. He has already alluded to the fact that Mauer and Mornaeu will share the designated hitter spot to keep both players healthy through the rest of the season.

A move like that will cause less at bats for Jim Thome, which wouldn’t help the Twins already struggling offense.

In a best case scenario the Twins can afford is to play both players at their respective positions and have Thome’s bat in the lineup. With all of the starting outfield back from injury that leaves Michael Cuddyer second base.