CLEVELAND (AP) — Justin Morneau has returned to the Minnesota Twins more than two months after neck surgery.
The Twins reinstated the first baseman and former American League MVP from the disabled list before Friday’s game at Cleveland. Morneau was on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Rochester.
To make room on the roster, the Twins placed reserve outfielder Jason Repko on the 15-day DL because of bursitis in his left shoulder.
Morneau’s return means the Twins finally have their opening day lineup intact. Michael Cuddyer and Danny Valencia are the only regulars who haven’t missed time to injuries this year.
Morneau and fellow franchise cornerstone Joe Mauer have only been in the lineup together in nine of the last 198 games, including the playoffs.
