No sure thing at shortstop this spring

La Velle E. Neal III
Star Tribune

FORT MYERS, FLA. -- Nick Punto has a back strain, creating doubts that he will be ready to battle for the starting shortstop's job when Twins position players begin official workouts on Saturday.

Punto told club officials he felt something while swinging a bat Monday during a voluntary workout on a back field at the Lee County Sports Complex.

But Punto also told them his back has been bothering him during the past month. Punto wasn't at camp Tuesday and could not be reached for comment.

"Punto strained his lower back, so he's not doing anything," manager Ron Gardenhire said, "He was taking cuts lefthanded when he did hurt himself."

Punto can swing righthanded but can't from the left side. He will be shut down for a few days.

"He can't do anything from the left side," Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. "We've heard that before, so it's a concern."

Punto batted .253 last season in 38 games while playing second, third, short and even made two appearances in the outfield.

Durability, however, has been a problem. He was out from May 11 to June 30 last season because of a strained left oblique muscle. On July 27, he broke his right collarbone when he tried to make an acrobatic play against the White Sox in Chicago.

Punto tried to rush back to join the team in time for the playoffs, but kept having setbacks and was never activated.

Now his back strain is causing concern about his durability at such a demanding position.

"That's going to be the issue, if he can stay healthy long enough to play," Gardenhire said. "He plays hard. Unfortunately for us, he's gotten hurt the last year. Now he's starting off in spring with a little tweak. Hopefully we can get him back on the field. We'll have answers sooner than later."

Gardenhire has told players to take it easy in spring training, but has seen Joe Mays throw in the bullpen before camp and is now wondering if Punto -- whom he has told to stop sliding into first base in the past -- is pushing himself too hard, too.

"It's a concern because he's had injuries," Gardenhire said. "Most of them are because of the way he plays. He plays hard. He dives. This is not from that. He probably overdid something, which we have been preaching not to. Got plenty of time to get ready here. Don't overdo it. Some of the guys still are going to do it."

Punto, 27, is a speedy, hard-nosed player who can switch hit, and some in the organization say he is the best bet to replace Cristian Guzman (who signed with Washington) as the Twins' full-time shortstop.

Juan Castro, Jason Bartlett and Augie Ojeda are the other shortstops in camp. Gardenhire said he will keep an open mind when choosing the starter. Castro, 32, is a career backup. Bartlett, 25, has become a highly regarded prospect and Ojeda, 30, has bounced between the majors and minors and has never played more than 78 games in a season.

"I won't say anyone is the favorite," Gardenhire said, "I think Punto has shown the most offensive potential at this level."

Ryan acknowledged that Punto might fall behind the other shortstop candidates when camp starts, but cautioned against thinking that Punto could be out for a more than only a few days.

"I don't think you can put that on him," Ryan said. "Two weeks from now, he may be at full bore."

Spring schedule

Monday: Team held first official workout for pitchers, catchers

Friday: Reporting date for Twins position players

Saturday: First official workout for full Twins squad

March 3: First game, vs. Boston

April 4: Opening Day, at Seattle