MINNEAPOLIS — Twins right fielder Michael Cuddyer missed the game against the Brewers tonight due to an inflamed tendon in his left index finger.

Cuddyer said the injury has been bothering him off and on for the past two weeks.

"I figured it'd just go away," he said, looking at the black and blue portion of his hand. "But I took a swing last night in my last at-bat and my hand flew off the bat. I woke up this morning and it was worse. I can't play with it today."

Cuddyer was expected to see a team orthopedist before the game Saturday to determine the next step. He can bend the finger slightly, which he said wouldn't be possible if the tendon were torn.

Cuddyer missed 17 games in April after dislocating and lacerating his right index finger sliding headfirst into third base. He is hitting .252 with three homers and 35 RBIs in 234 at-bats.

Minnesota second baseman Alexi Casilla also did not start Saturday.

He sprained his left middle finger sliding into first base Friday. Manager Ron Gardenhire said there's a possibility Casilla could play, but indicated he should be ready for Sunday.

Jason Kubel started in right field and Nick Punto at second base for Minnesota, winners of 10 straight games.