Kubel Hopes Beaning Won't Slow Him

Trying to take a nap on a couch in the Rock Cats clubhouse Friday was outfielder Jason Kubel. He was skipping batting practice and would miss his first game of the season after he was hit in the head by a pitch Thursday night at Portland. Kubel left after a half inning complaining of nausea and dizziness.

"It's a mild concussion," said Kubel, who did not play Saturday night. "Nothing too serious. Just don't feel too good. I'm not too worried."

Kubel took a pitch on the helmet, just above the ear, from Sea Dogs reliever Jason Howell. Kubel said it was the first time he had been hit like that.

"It was a scary moment," Rock Cats manager Stan Cliburn said. "I'm sure their pitcher was trying to get inside him a little bit. That's the way pitchers have been trying to get him out and this just got away from the pitcher."

Kubel is the Eastern League's leading hitter at .388 and was named EL Player of the Month for April. Cliburn said he isn't concerned the beaning will hurt Kubel at the plate.

"Not this guy," Cliburn said. "This guy is focused."

The Rock Cats are a little banged up. J.D. Durbin, the Twins' top pitching prospect, had to miss his start Friday because of a sore shoulder. Cliburn said the results of an MRI should be known in the next few days.

Watching his Double A affiliate Friday was Twins general manager Terry Ryan. He is expected to stay in New Britain through Tuesday.

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