MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Shortstop J.J. Hardy is close to returning to the Minnesota Twins.
Hardy said before Monday’s game against Detroit that he’s swinging without pain in his left wrist and hopes to begin a rehabilitation assignment in a few days. He could rejoin the team by the end of the homestand this weekend.
Hardy missed 12 games in May with the injury and then after a couple of rough weeks was put back on the disabled list. He hasn’t appeared in a game since June 6.
With Hardy out, Nick Punto has been the regular shortstop. Rookie Danny Valencia was playing third base for Punto in the beginning, but right fielder Michael Cuddyer has been playing there more lately. He was there again on Monday so Twins manager Ron Gardenhire could use Jim Thome as the designated hitter.
