Orlando Hudson takes batting practice, expects to be ready Tuesday

MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Twins second baseman Orlando Hudson took some swings on Saturday and delivered a clear message to manager Ron Gardenhire.

"He said he'll be ready by Tuesday," Gardenhire said. "That's exactly what he told me."

Hudson hasn't played since bruising his surgically repaired left wrist in an outfield collision with teammate Denard Span on May 30. He's eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, when the Twins open a three-game series against Colorado.

Gardenhire indicated Hudson's swinging session went better from the right side of the plate than the left, so it's possible the Twins will wait a little longer to put him in the starting lineup. The Rockies are scheduled to start three right-handers in the series: Aaron Cook, Jhoulys Chaic and Ubaldo Jimenez.

Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor and columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights and co-hosts from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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