"Justin Morneau is playing despite a neck injury that would sideline most players.

In fact the other day, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire asked the first baseman if he wanted to go on the disabled list, because Gardenhire realizes Morneau is playing in pain and unable to produce as has in the past. But Gardy knew Morneau's answer would be no.

Last July, before Morneau missed the rest of the season because of a concussion, he was hitting .345 with an American League-best .437 on-base percentage and a .618 slugging percentage. Entering Wednesday's game with the Tigers, Morneau was batting .242 with a .291 OBP and a .335 SLG before going 0-for-3 with a walk Wednesday.

Morneau did hit two home runs in Tuesday's 8-7 loss to Detroit, a sign he is feeling better. He said the injury has been bothering him for a while.

"It's not a really good situation for me to be in," Morneau said. "If I can play, I can play. There's no reason to make excuses. If I can't play, then I can't play, then it's an issue. Nobody wants to hear excuses. I'm able to swing.

"I've been able to do it since spring training ... obviously not as well as I'd like to do, but I'm able to go out there. I'm going in every day thinking it's going to be a good day, and hopefully that's all that happens.""