Injured outfielders progressing in rehab

By Rhett Bollinger and Kelly Erickson

August 1, 2013

MINNEAPOLIS -- Josh Willingham, who is on the 15-day disabled with a meniscus tear in his left knee, is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Rochester this weekend, according to Twins general manager Terry Ryan.

Additionally, outfielders Wilkin Ramirez (concussion) and Darin Mastroianni (left ankle surgery) are set to be moved up in their rehab assignments from the Gulf Coast League. Ramirez will rehab at Double-A New Britain, while Mastroianni will stay in Florida and rehab with Class A Advanced Fort Myers.

"We're trying to spread it out," Ryan said. "Willingham will play left [field] some and DH, but the other two guys we're going to make sure they play left, center and right."

Willingham had arthroscopic surgery on his knee on July 3, but he has been taking batting practice on the field this week and participating in running drills.

Ramirez, out with a concussion suffered on May 25, began his rehab assignment on Saturday in the Gulf Coast League. Mastroianni, who had surgery on his left ankle on May 22, joined Ramirez in the GCL on Monday.

Rhett Bollinger is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Bollinger Beat, and follow him on Twitter @RhettBollinger. Kelly Erickson is an associate reporter for MLB.com.