Tsuyoshi Nishioka, who has mostly struggled in AAA, recalled by Twins

In somewhat of a surprise move, the Minnesota Twins will recall infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka from Triple-A Rochester to take the roster spot of Danny Valencia, who was traded to the Boston Red Sox on Sunday.

Nishioka returns to the Twins after hitting just .245/.309/.301 with six stolen bases (six caught) in 84 games for the Red Wings, although people in the organization say he has been playing much better over the past month compared to his performance in April and May.

Nishioka, who was one of the worst every-day players in baseball last season, was among the first position players cut from major league camp during spring training in March. He hit just .226/.278/.249 in 240 plate appearances and played shaky, sub-par defense at shortstop and second base.

Nishioka is in the second year of a three-year, $9 million contract. He will join the Twins in Cleveland on Monday.

Phil Mackey is a columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He co-hosts "Reusse & Mackey" weekdays from 4 to 6pm on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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