Twins Assign Nishioka to Minor Leagues

The Twins have assigned middle infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka to the minor leagues after batting .240 this spring.  He hit just .226 with no homeruns and 21 RBIs in 2011.  Nishioka underachieved in his first season with the Twins and suffered a broken leg in the first week of the regular season causing him to miss 2 months.

Luke Hughes is likely to win the utility infielder position with James Carroll starting at shortstop and Alexi Casilla getting the nod at 2nd base.  Prospect Brian Dozier is another possibility at shortstop if he continues to impress this spring.