MINNEAPOLIS – Times Wired – This weekend’s four-game series between the Indians and Twins will be played as scheduled at the Metrodome, despite the fatal freeway bridge collapse near downtown.
The Twins postponed Thursday afternoon’s game against the Royals because of the disaster that occurred about a half-mile from the stadium. The accident sent dozens of cars into the Mississippi River as fans were filing into the Dome on Wednesday night.
Cleveland 3B Casey Blake spent three seasons in the Twins’ organization and often drove over the bridge.
“It’s a big blow to that city,” Blake said. “That’s some serious stuff there. I would imagine the city is very somber. I don’t know what affect it will have on the players or the crowd. It’s sad.” . . .
Thursday’s postponed game will probably be made up Aug. 31 as a day-night doubleheader when the Royals visit next.
B.J.’S BROTHER MAKES THE SHOW: Arizona’s top prospect, OF Justin Upton, got his first big-league callup after the team put Carlos Quentin on the disabled list with a strained hamstring.
Upton, the No. 1 overall pick in the June 2005 draft, was promoted from Double-A Mobile. He arrived at Petco Park in time for Arizona’s series finale against the Padres but wasn’t in the starting lineup.
Upton’s brother B.J. was taken by the Devil Rays with the second overall pick in the 2002 draft, making them the only brother combination to be selected as the No. 1 and No. 2 choices in different drafts.