What started as a promising season for Michael Cuddyer has turned into a nightmare.

Cuddyer, who was in the Twins' starting lineup on Opening Day, was sent down to Class AAA Rochester, N.Y., so he could play every day. Those plans failed because he only lasted 24 games before injuring his left hamstring May 29. He hasn't played since.

After a stint on the disabled list, Cuddyer aggravated the injury and now spends his time at the Twins' minor league facility in Fort Myers, Fla., rehabilitating.

"He's such a tough kid and wants to play that we had to send him down so he won't reinjure it again,'' said Jim Rantz, the Twins' director of minor league operations. "The last time he came back, he forced it too soon.''

There is no firm timetable for his return, although the Twins hope it will be in August.

The Twins had their 1997 No. 1 draft pick playing second base before the injury. He also can play third base and in the outfield. Because they don't have any can't-miss middle infield prospects in the minor leagues, the Twins want to experiment with the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Cuddyer.

"He was a shortstop when we drafted him,'' said Rob Antony, the Twins' director of baseball operations. "Joe Vavra (the team's minor league fielding coordinator) has worked with him and Vavra said Cuddyer has pretty good instincts. He's a good athlete.''

The Twins have been disappointed at times with second baseman Luis Rivas, and because they have plenty of depth in the outfield, this could be a way for Cuddyer to return to the big leagues.

"We know that his offense is what will carry him,'' Antony said. "We've played him at third base and in the outfield, so we can get his bat into the lineup.''

Rantz added: "He only got a few games in at second base before he got injured. The hardest part for him is making the pivot on double plays.''

Cuddyer, who started in right field during the American League Division Series against the Oakland A's last October, was hitting .325 with one home run and 12 runs batted in for Rochester.