Vikings’ Zimmer brings in rookies for early repetitions

The lack of production from the Minnesota Vikings’ rookie class was one of many factors that contributed to the team’s 8-8 finish last season.

In hopes of helping this year’s class of first-year players make more of an impact, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer decided to call them in early for the start of training camp. The rookies reported with select veterans Sunday, four days before the full team is required to report.

Zimmer estimated the rookies had 10 more practices than the veterans did in May and June, in an effort to help them digest new playbooks and learn new systems from the ones they played in during college.

Among the rookies, second-round running back Dalvin Cook and thirdround center Pat Elflein are in the mix for starting spots. Linebacker Ben Gedeon, a fourth-round pick out of Michigan, could be in the mix as well. inning after going 1-for-4 against the Redbirds.

He is rehabbing a partially torn left hamstring, an injury suffered on June 14.

“I thought he looked great,” manager Pedro Lopez said. I was just talking to him a few minutes ago and the biggest thing everybody’s concerned (with) is how is he going to run the bases? … He’s running well.”

Lopez said the plan is for Walker to play a full game at second base on Monday.

On Tuesday, as the 51s visit the Oakland Athletics affiliate Nashville Sounds, an American League team, he is expected to be the 51s designated hitter.

After that, Lopez said Walker is expected to play one more full game at second. Those plans could change.

“Hopefully he keeps on feeling more comfortable at the plate, and not only at the plate but on the field as well,” Lopez said.

Walker was hitting .270 with nine home runs and 33 RBIS in 60 games with New York before suffering his injury.

In his absence, the Mets have mostly shifted shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera over to second base, a move Cabrera had voiced his unhappiness with.

Viola to return Monday

Pitching coach Frank Viola is scheduled to rejoin the 51s on Monday after spending three days in Minnesota as the Twins honored the 1987 World Series champion team.

Viola started three games in that World Series and was named the Most Valuable Player.

Each member of the 51s staff was given three days off of their choosing during the season. In his absence, pitching coordinator Ron Romanick was with the 51s in Memphis.

Upcoming at Cashman

The 51s will conclude their series in Memphis on Monday and then head to Nashville for four games.

When they return to Cashman Field on Saturday, they’ll host their longest homestand of the season — 12 games in 13 days.

They first play Colorado Springs and, on Saturday, the first 2,500 fans through the gates will receive a UNLV Rebel jersey.

Contact Betsy Helfand at bhelfand@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Betsyhelfand on Twitter.