Bartlett might be ready for a recall

La Velle E. Neal III
Star Tribune

Could Jason Bartlett return to the majors by the All-Star break?

Bartlett, the Twins' Opening Day shortstop, was sent to Class AAA Rochester on May 20 after his average dropped to .242 and he hit two homers and had 12 RBI in 26 games. Twins officials said they were satisfied with his defense; it was his offensive game that needed rehab.

Bartlett was 2-for-5 on Thursday with two runs scored, raising his average to .301 in 30 games.

"He's doing better and is getting confidence," said Jim Rantz, Twins director of minor leagues. "He'll be back up here in time. We still think he's going to be our guy. We still think he can do the job."

Rantz didn't reveal a timetable for Bartlett's return. Juan Castro has had a calming influence on the infield since taking over for Bartlett, but he endured an 0-for-23 skid last week and entered the weekend batting .232. He has also been banged up.

The Twins will eventually decide if they can benefit from Bartlett's offensive potential. No one is anticipating that he'll help the team like Justin Morneau did when he was called up last season, but a more confident Bartlett could bring a good hitter with good speed to the club.

Bartlett, 25, has six errors at Rochester, which likely will factor in any decision.

He made four errors in 24 games with the Twins and is not as smooth with the glove as Castro. That offense-for-defense question is sure to be debated as the Twins aim to remain in the AL Central race.

Liriano watch

Lefthander Francisco Liriano held Indianapolis to one run over six innings in his Rochester debut Monday, striking out eight. His fastball ranged from 90 to 96 miles an hour, settling in around 94. Liriano, 22, looms as a significant late-season call-up if the Twins need help.

Smit steps back

Lefthander Alexander Smit was 1-9 with a 5.98 ERA at Class A Beloit, giving the organization no other choice but to move him back to short-season Elizabethton, Tenn.

In his first appearance, Smit tossed 4 2/3 shutout innings, striking out nine. Team officials hoped Smit, a 19-year-old from the Netherlands, would have a big year but now just want him to feel good about himself.

"When you're 1-9, I think you have to regroup, don't you?" Rantz said. "Hopefully this will give him some confidence."

Injuries hit prospects

Class A Fort Myers third baseman Matt Moses was expected to return to regular duty this week after missing a few games because of a pulled hamstring. Moses, the Twins' first-round pick in 2003, is third in the Florida State League with a .329 batting average to go with seven homers and 41 RBI. Health might have played a role in him not getting promoted to Class AA New Britain.

Righthander Colby Miller, 2-7 with a 3.65 ERA at New Britain, has been shut down because of shoulder problems, and the organization fears he might need season-ending surgery.

Righthander Tim Henkenjohann will miss a month because of a broken bone in his right foot, suffered when hit by a comebacker. The German-born Henkenjohann posted a 5.06 ERA in seven games with Fort Myers.