Twins want to make sure Punto doesn't rush back

La Velle E. Neal III
Star Tribune

FORT MYERS, FLA. -- Infielder Nick Punto, who is out because of a sore lower back, has been told by manager Ron Gardenhire to avoid coming back too soon.

"I don't want him out there screwing around, hitting or anything until we get him healthy," Gardenhire said, "because then things can linger on and on."

Punto, expected to battle for the starting shortstop position, has been shut down for the next few days to rest his back.

He said Thursday there's plenty of time for him to get into games this spring, but Gardenhire wants to make sure Punto isn't thinking of pushing himself harder than he needs to.

Punto injured himself while batting lefthanded and could hit from the right side while working out, but Gardenhire is against that, too.

Santana contract

The Twins have submitted the terms of Johan Santana's four-year, $40 million contract to the MLB players' association after he passed a series of physicals taken last week.

Santana is expected to sign his contract today, but the 15-page document must be printed and prepared.

Injury updates

Jesse Crain, bothered by a strained right hamstring, and Terry Mulholland, recovering from bronchitis, both threw in the bullpen Friday and will be re-evaluated today.

First baseman Justin Morneau, recovering from an offseason of various ailments, hit off a tee Friday. He playfully told Gardenhire that he went 5-for-25.

Righthander Grant Balfour, hindered by a strained right forearm, was held out of workouts Friday.

Twins alumni coming

A run of former Twins players and coaches are due in over the next few days as full-squad workouts begin.

Tony Oliva arrived Friday and will work with the hitters.

"He's great talking about hitting and good just talking about the game," Gardenhire said.

Rod Carew, Paul Molitor and former manager Tom Kelly also will report to camp to work with players. Molitor will work with minor leaguers this spring.

"I like bringing some of the past into camp. I think that is important," Gardenhire said. "They all know a lot about the game."

Etc.

Catcher Joe Mauer has had no trouble with his surgically repaired left knee after four workouts. "He has not stepped back from anything," Gardenhire said.

Outfielder Jason Kubel, out for the year after having reconstructive knee surgery during the offseason, is expected to join the team by Sunday to continue his rehabilitation.

A flu bug is floating through the Twins clubhouse. Bench coach Steve Liddle and new head trainer Rick McWane were sent home Thursday to keep them from spreading it around.

The Twins helped raise more than $40,000 for charity Thursday by participating in a golf tournament in Fort Myers. Santana was supposed to participate in the event but his contract remains unsigned and he didn't want to be the victim of a freak accident. So he changed his mind.