By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS — Shortstop J.J. Hardy returns to the lineup tonight for the Twins.

Hardy said his left wrist is still not 100 percent, that there is some residual pain but it’s manageable. Over the past few days, he’s been testing the wrist as much as he can (“trying to injure it,” he joked) to make sure that he’s ready to go. And he feels like he is so the Twins get their everyday shortstop back.

To make room for Hardy, the Twins have optioned shortstop Trevor Plouffe back to Triple-A Rochester.

The Twins will still be a little short in their infield depth on Tuesday, as Nick Punto’s left ring finger is still sore after he got a cortisone injection on Sunday. Punto can’t hit tonight and probably can’t field, but he is available to pinch run. And the expectation is that he’ll be ready within a couple days to return.

Yankees (26-18)
Derek Jeter, SS
Brett Gardner, CF
Mark Teixeira, DH
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nick Swisher, RF
Juan Miranda, 1B
Francisco Cervelli, C
Kevin Russo, LF
Pitching: RHP A.J. Burnett (4-2, 3.86 ERA)

Twins

(26-18)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando
Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Justin Morneau, 1B
Michael Cuddyer,
RF
Jason Kubel, DH
Delmon Young, LF
J.J. Hardy, SS
Brendan Harris, 3B
Pitching: RHP Scott Baker (4-4, 4.88 ERA)

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