FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Twins second baseman James Dozier wasn't in Minnesota's lineup against the Cardinals at Hammond Stadium on Monday, as he left camp to attend his grandmother's funeral in his hometown of Fulton, Mississippi.
Dozier's grandmother, Laynette, passed away Saturday at the age of 97. The funeral was held Monday, and Dozier is expected to be back in camp for Wednesday night's game against Team USA at Hammond Stadium after an off-day on Tuesday.
Dozier, 29, is coming off a career year that saw him hit .268/.340/.546 with 42 homers, 99 RBIs and 104 runs scored in 155 games. He was also an American League All-Star in 2015 and participated in the Home Run Derby in front of his family, with his brother Clay throwing to him at Target Field in 2014.
Dozier has played in three games this spring, all at home, going 1-for-7 with two walks, a stolen base and two runs scored. As a veteran, he's expected to play mostly home games this spring, avoiding the long bus rides.
Worth noting
• The Twins have an off-day on Tuesday, but right-hander Phil Hughes will remain on schedule and throw to Minor Leaguers. Chris Gimenez, who is competing for the backup catcher role, is expected to catch Hughes.
• Left-handed reliever Mason Melotakis, who was slowed by a strained oblique early in camp, threw his second bullpen session on Sunday. The Twins are still planning when Melotakis will first appear in a game.
• The Twins are expected to lend a few pitchers -- including Stephen Gonsalves, Jake Reed, Aaron Slegers and Drew Rucinski -- to Team USA for their exhibition game at Hammond Stadium on Wednesday. Team USA opens WBC '17 play on Friday in Miami.
• The first round of roster cuts are expected on March 13, a day after split-squad action on Sunday.