Justin Morneau #33 of the Minnesota Twins watches a hit during an at bat against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on June 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (G. Newman Lowrance/Getty Images)

With the All-Star Break underway, many teams are able to take advantage of the break in the schedule to rest and heal nagging injuries. And with nagging injuries plaguing just about everyone in the lineup, the Twins can especially look forward to a few days off.

The team has been without former MVP Justin Morneau for a large chunk of the first half while he recovered from a season ending concussion last year as well as nagging neck injuries this season. Lineup anchor Jason Kubel has missed considerable time as he recovers from a foot injury. The Twins also just recently welcomed back franchise player Joe Mauer after he battled leg weakness for most of the first half.

If the Twins are to continue their recent stretch of AL Central domination, the first thing they are going to need to do is stay healthy. There have been too many games missed already from critical players and while the players they have been using to fill holes are doing an admirable job they can’t be counted on to contribute offensively for a long period of time. Who knows how far back the Twins would be if not for the effort that Michael Cuddyer has been giving to try to put the team on his back. If the Twins can avoid the disabled list in the second half of the season, it could be another year that isn’t decided until game number 163.


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