Twins rule Morneau out for playoffs

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Justin Morneau's season is over.

The first baseman hasn't played since July 7 because of post-concussion symptoms stemming from an inadvertent knee to the head during a slide into second base.

A four-time All-Star and the 2006 AL MVP, he has begun to improve and hasn't had any recent setbacks, but general manager Bill Smith said Monday the team doesn't want to rush Morneau back.

Already ruled out for the first round of the playoffs, Morneau had hoped to be ready for the AL championship series or the World Series. But Smith says there's not enough time for him to return to full strength.

The Twins expect Morneau to join the team for the start of spring training.

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