Willingham progressing, but remains sidelined

MINNEAPOLIS -- Josh Willingham was held out of the lineup for a third straight game on Thursday with a bruised left wrist sustained on Sunday, when he was hit by a pitch from Indians righty Justin Masterson.

Willingham took batting practice in the cages for a second straight day, and he is expected to progress to taking batting practice on the field before Friday's game against the Royals.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he's waiting for the swelling in Willingham's wrist to completely subside before he puts him back in the lineup.

"He's not ready yet," Gardenhire said. "He's swinging more in the cage and said he's definitely feeling better. Tomorrow he'll be out taking full BP. The big thing is they said they have to get the swelling down, so right now we're just trying to get the swelling out of there more than anything else."