CLEVELAND -- Michael Bourn was in the Indians clubhouse before Sunday's game against Minnesota as he continues his comeback from a hamstring injury suffered three weeks ago. Bourn played the first game of Columbus' doubleheader against Indianapolis and was 1 for 3.
"It felt good getting into game situations. I didn't play for a couple days due to rainouts, field damp and stuff like that," Bourn said. "We're just taking it one step at a time, make sure my legs are under me and that I'm ready before I come back. It's kind of hard to gage because it's a hamstring and it's cold."
Bourn said his leg felt good hitting and running but patience and trust in the hamstring are the biggest things right now.
The plan is for Bourn to return to Columbus on Monday and play seven innings against Louisville. He will play a full game on Wednesday and the expectation is if he is ready to go he would join the Indians for the start of their seven-game road trip on Thursday in Chicago.
With Bourn out, Nyjer Morgan has started four of the five games at center and will lead off again today against Minnesota. Morgan is 4 for 6 in the Minnesota series and has drawn a pair of walks.
"It's still a long season. You just have to tell yourself that but it is easier said than done. That's just how it is," Bourn said.
TODAY'S LINEUPS
TWINS (2-3)
Note: Stats are against Masterson unless noted
Brian Dozier 2B -- 4 for 9 with a double, HR and RBI in series; 6 for 11 vs. Masterson
Joe Mauer 1B -- 8 for 35, 3 RBI
Josh Willingham LF -- 2 for 12 with HR, 2 RBI
Chris Colabello DH -- Hasn't faced Masterson. In the series he is 2 for 8 with a HR and RBI.
Trevor Plouffe 3B -- 4 for 16, HR, RBI
Jason Kubel RF -- 3 for 17, RBI
Kurt Suzuki C -- 2 for 13, HR, 4 RBI
Aaron Hicks CF -- 0 for 3
Pedro Florimon SS -- 2 for 9, RBI
Ricky Nolasco P -- This is the right-hander's first start against the Indians. He is 1-2 with a 6.00 ERA in six career starts against the AL Central. Nolasco signed with Minnesota over the offseason.
INDIANS (3-2)
Notes: Stats are against Nolasco unless noted
Nyjer Morgan CF -- 4 for 14, 2 RBI
Nick Swisher 1B -- 2 for 9 in the series with a HR and 3 RBI
Jason Kipnis 2B -- Drew three walks in Saturday's game
Carlos Santana 3B -- â¨Hitting .400 against right-handers so far (4 for 10)
Michael Brantley LF -- Has had a hit in every game this season.
Lonnie Chisenhall DH -- Two straight games with a double and has a 3-game hitting streak.
Yan Gomes C -- Batting .300 against right-handers (3 for 10, HR, RBI).
David Murphy RF -- Batting .167 against right-handers (2 for 12, RBI).
Mike Aviles SS -- 3 for 4, HR, 3 RBI
Justin Masterson P -- This will be the right-hander's 17the start against the Twins. He is 3-7 with a 4.22 ERA in 21 games.
NUMBER OF THE DAY
.533 -- Morgan's on-base percentage which is fourth in the American League.
