Rodriguez, Ruggiano help Rays beat Twins 5-2
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) — While the Tampa Bay Rays got their first look at closer Rafael Soriano in Wednesday’s 5-2 exhibition victory, the Minnesota Twins maintained some hope they might get to see their own closer, Joe Nathan, at some point.
Once the game started, however, Sean Rodriguez closed most of that discussion with two more hits, two more runs and a spectacular diving catch for the Rays.
The 24-year-old Rodriguez, acquired from the Los Angeles Angels last August in the Scott Kazmir trade, is building a strong case to make the roster as a utility player. He didn’t do anything to hurt his case Wednesday, stretching a single into a double in the first inning and getting another hit in the third off Minnesota starter Glen Perkins.
Rodriguez scored the first two runs of the game.
‘‘You don’t really go into camp expecting to have an unbelievable spring or a great spring,’’ said Rodriguez, who is batting.
Blaine’s Bjugstad is AP Player of the Year
By DAVE CAMPBELL
AP Sports Writer
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Nick Bjugstad grew, literally, into the state’s best player.
Vikings agree to terms with DT Kennedy
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — Jimmy Kennedy will return to the Minnesota Vikings next season.
Twins Kelly and Coco Miller sign with Dream
ATLANTA (AP) — Twin sisters Kelly and Coco Miller, who played together at the University of Georgia, finally have their first opportunity to be teammates on a professional team after signing...
Mauer returns from absence, gets 2 hits for Twins
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Minnesota star Joe Mauer is hitting in March like, well, an MVP.
Wild sign UMass sophomore center Casey Wellman
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Wild have signed center Casey Wellman to a two-year contract.
The deal was announced on Tuesday.
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