Punto chafes over 'injury-prone' label

La Velle E. Neal III
Star Tribune

FORT MYERS, FLA. -- Twins shortstop Nick Punto knows his durability is being questioned.

"It's the worst thing you can hear," Punto said. "But the truth is, I haven't had a problem in the past. It's just the last year. A couple of freak accidents and you get labeled that.

"I'll get past it. It's tough, and I know it is tough for [the Twins], too."

Punto is hobbled because of a sore lower back that popped up Tuesday during batting practice. He has been held out of on-field activities as he rehabilitates.

No one knows when he'll be able to play.

"It's strong," he said. "It feels really strong. It's just a little sore."

A strained left oblique muscle and broken right collarbone limited him to 38 games last season. This season, the Twins are hoping he shows enough to win the starting shortstop job. But indications are that he won't be ready when spring training games begin Thursday.

"I couldn't have been more anxious for the season to start," Punto said. "That's the frustrating part. The good part is that it is February and not April or May."

Etc.

Reliever Grant Balfour, working through a sore right forearm, threw from a mound Thursday and felt good for the first 15-20 pitches. "Towards the end, it started bothering me a little," he said.

Reliever Jesse Crain did his bullpen work but is barred from fielding drills until his strained right hamstring improves.

Reliever Terry Mulholland, recovering from bronchitis, played catch Thursday and is close to throwing in the bullpen.

Outfielder Michael Restovich, recovering from a broken collarbone, continues to make progress.

Outfielder Shannon Stewart and infielder Juan Castro are expected to report today. Everyone else has arrived.

Gardenhire caused a ruckus late in the workout when he saw Restovich stop to give a young fan an autograph. "Hey everybody!" Gardenhire screamed. "Mike Restovich is signing autographs!" About 40 fans then swarmed Restovich.