We told you yesterday that Joe Mauer's season has likely come to an end, and now LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that the Twins are shutting down a few other players as well.
Infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka has been shut down for the year because of a right oblique injury, and it's looking more and more like outfielder Jason Kubel and first baseman Justin Morneau have also seen their last action of the 2012 season.
Nishioka has been a disappointment for the Twins this season, batting just .226 with no home runs, 19 RBI, and two stolen bases. Morneau is still attempting to shake off the effects of post-concussion syndrome, and Kubel has been limited by a foot injury.
To attempt to illustrate exactly how bad things have been for the Twins this season, after the jump you'll see a comparison of the starting lineup that they sent out in the 2011 season opener against the Toronto Blue Jays, and the lineup they sent out on Saturday afternoon against the Cleveland Indians.
| Opening Day Lineup | September 17 Lineup |
| Denard Span, CF | Ben Revere, CF |
| Tsuyoshi Nishioka, 2B | Trevor Plouffe, SS |
| Joe Mauer, C | Michael Cuddyer, DH |
| Justin Morneau, 1B | Chris Parmelee, 1B |
| Delmon Young, LF | Luke Hughes, 3B |
| Michael Cuddyer, RF | Rene Tosoni, LF |
| Jason Kubel, DH | Brian Dinkelman, 2B |
| Danny Valencia, 3B | Joe Benson, RF |
| Alexi Casilla, SS | Rene Rivera, C |
Yes, the only player in the lineup today that was in the lineup on Opening Day is Michael Cuddyer.
Span, Nishioka, Mauer, Morneau, Kubel, and Casilla are all out with injuries, and Young was traded to the Tigers. Valencia has been a part of the everyday lineup, and is likely just getting a day off today.
For the Twins. . .and their fans. . .this season can't possibly end quickly enough.