Punto's MRI brings good news

Punto's MRI brings good news

MINNEAPOLIS -- The results of Nick Punto's MRI on his left ankle came back Monday afternoon, and the Twins have breathed a sigh of relief.

The MRI showed just a sprained ankle with light swelling. The Twins medical staff said Punto is expected to miss only a day or two with the injury.

Punto sprained the ankle fielding ground balls in batting practice Saturday, but he told no one about it until he reported to the Metrodome in discomfort Sunday.

Punto's injury became a concern following Sunday's 6-4 loss to the Devil Rays when doctors determined he should undergo an MRI to check on the severity of the injury.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire had been concerned after the game that the injury might require a stint on the disabled list. It raised many red flags, because the team's top backup option at third, Jeff Cirillo, is also currently on the disabled list after undergoing an arthroscopic scope on his left knee. Without Cirillo as a backup, the organization does not have much depth at the position, either on the roster or in the farm system.
