Twins try to remain patient with Denard Span's claustrophobia

Twins OF Denard Span is battling MRI claustrophobia. (Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Injured Twins outfielder Denard Span faces two challenges to getting back in the lineup: recovering from a sore clavicle and neck, and overcoming his claustrophobia inside MRI machines.

Span has missed eight games and at least one MRI appointment as the Twins try to remain patient.

La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribunereports:

Span had an MRI of his neck on Monday and was supposed to have one of his clavicle on Tuesday -- but he couldn't go through with it. Span did take batting practice before Tuesday's game and is feeling better. The Twins are trying to be patient but might have to consider placing him on the disabled list if he needs several more days to recover.

Span revealed that he's claustrophobic and sometimes isn't comfortable in the close quarters of the MRI machine.

"I don't know what else to say," Span said. "It's embarrassing that I couldn't get it done today, but bottom line, I stayed there for an hour trying to get it done. Just couldn't do it, man. I tried my best. When they strapped me in there and told me I couldn't move for 35 minutes, I just couldn't do it."