MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Nick Punto was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list Saturday and in the lineup for the Minnesota Twins at shortstop.
Punto has been out since May 8 because of a strained left hamstring. Infielder Howie Clark, who played in four games and had two hits and an RBI in eight at-bats, was designated for assignment to make room.After hitting only .210 with one homer and 25 RBIs last year, Punto's second as the everyday third baseman, the plan was for him to go back to a utility role this season. But a bunch of injuries and fielding mistakes have thrown Minnesota's infield into flux once again.
Brendan Harris didn't turn double plays as well as manager Ron Gardenhire desired, so he had been playing shortstop with Adam Everett out. Alexi Casilla has taken over as the second baseman, and Gardenhire indicated Punto could play himself back into a regular spot.
"Still moving people around," Gardenhire said before Saturday's game against the New York Yankees. "Not set on any one of them. Just going to keep ad-libbing."
