Minnesota Twins vs. Kansas City Royals - News - July 04, 2021 | FOX Sports

Nelson Cruz - Neck injury caused by cough Cruz (neck) visited a doctor Monday to check out a persisting cough, which was responsible for his current neck injury, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Impact Manager Rocco Baldelli said a violent cough caused Cruz's neck injury, which prevented him from even turning his head. The Twins' skipper added that Cruz has been dealing with the cough for weeks. It's unclear at this time how long the neck injury, and the cough for that matter, might keep the 41-year-old out of action.

JULY 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Aaron Gleeman: Nelson Cruz (neck) is out of the Twins lineup. ... - The Athletic Nelson Cruz (neck) is out of the Twins lineup. Rocco Baldelli said Cruz hurt his neck "coughing violently" and "couldn't turn his head." Cru...

JULY 5, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Matt Shoemaker - Goes unclaimed on waivers Shoemaker cleared waivers Monday and accepted his assignment to Triple-A St. Paul, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Impact Unsurprisingly, the righty, with his miserable 8.06 ERA through 60.1 innings this season, wasn't a hot commodity on waivers and will look to regain his confidence with St. Paul. If Shoemaker can pitch effectively in the minors, he may find himself back in the Twins' thin rotation once again at some point this season.

JULY 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Ryan Jeffers - Sitting Monday Jeffers is not starting Monday's series opener against the White Sox.

Impact The catcher gets a day off after going 1-for-6 with two walks and two strikeouts in Saturday and Sunday's contests. Jeffers has hit a lowly .100 in his last nine games, but he has drawn eight walks in that span. Ben Rortvedt will start behind the dish and bat eighth Monday.

JULY 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Nelson Cruz - Sidelined again Monday Cruz (neck) is not in the lineup for Monday's series opener against the White Sox.

Impact A late scratch Sunday, Cruz figures to still be nursing a stiff neck. There's been no further update on the veteran's condition, so he should still be considered day-to-day while Miguel Sano fills in as the designated hitter.

JULY 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Josh Donaldson - Still out Monday Donaldson (hamstring) is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the White Sox.

Impact The veteran misses his second straight game after leaving Saturday's game with a right hamstring issue. It's unclear how much longer Donaldson will be sidelined, or if he might require a trip to the injured list. Luis Arraez starts at third base Monday, and will likely man the position until Donaldson is ready to return.

JULY 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Andrew Benintendi - Not starting Monday Benintendi is on the bench for Monday's series opener against the Reds.

Impact He sits just a day after being activated from the injured list and going 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts. Hunter Dozier will start in left field Monday, with Hanser Alberto filling in at third base.

JULY 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE