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Justin Morneau Injury: Twins slugger likely done for season

Minnesota Twins catcher Justin Morneau likely won't play again this season.

Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire

The 2012 season is likely over for Minnesota Twins 1B/DH Justin Morneau. The Twins didn't play the slugger against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday and plan to shut him down for the season.

Minnesota says Morneau is physically and mentally worn down after playing in 134 games this season. Morneau missed 174 games in 2010 and 2011 with concussion symptoms and other injuries, but he was able to play nearly a full season this year.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire hasn't completely ruled out using Morneau, saying he might use him as a pinch hitter. Morneau has struggled and is in the midst of an 0-for-15 stretch at the plate. Morneau's wrist has bothered him and could have factored into the decision:

"Physically, I'm just not able to swing the bat the way I want to," Morneau said. "If I believed we had a better chance at winning if I was swinging the way I'm capable of, it would be a different story."

If he doesn't bat again, Morneau will end the season with a .267 batting average, 19 home runs, and 77 RBI.

Photographs by Micah Taylor, clairity, and Fibonacci Blue used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.