Tsuyoshi Nishioka reached four times on Saturday, going 2-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored. With a .228/.278/.251 line in 215 at-bats, Nishioka has scarcely resembled a major league infielder at any point during the season, and the Twins have to possess serious reservations about his ability to contribute. His performance this month could dictate whether he's assured of entering 2012 as a regular.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka was held out of Wednesday's lineup against the White Sox with general soreness. Nishioka played back-to-back games after returning from a minor oblique injury, so Ron Gardenhire decided to rest him with the day game. He is available off the bench Wednesday, but we figure most fantasy owners aren't missing him.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka finished 1-for-1 with two walks Monday in his first game back. Nishioka hadn't played in a game since August 21 due to a minor oblique injury. The 27-year-old rookie has hit just .221/.267/.245 with two steals in six attempts.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka returned to action on Monday August 29.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire expects Tsuyoshi Nishioka (oblique) to be ready to return to the lineup Monday. The Japanese import hasn't played in a week, but he's doing much better. He'll bring a .217/.257/.241 batting line back to the lineup.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka (oblique) says he's at 80-90 percent and would have played Friday had Twins manager Ron Gardenhire not decided to give him an extra day. We're sure it broke Gardy's heart to hold a defensively-challenged, .217/.257/.241 hitter out, but they pay him the big bucks to make those tough decisions. It sounds like there's a good chance Nishioka will be ready to play Saturday.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka was scratched from Friday's lineup due to issues with his back and oblique. Nishioka hasn't played since Sunday and is apparently still feeling some level of discomfort. The Japan native has hit just .217/.257/.241 in 61 games this season.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka (back) could return to the Twins' starting lineup as soon as Friday. Nishioka was held out of the starting lineup for the sixth consecutive day Thursday due to back spasms. "Nishi feels a lot better and is available for the game," Twins trainer Rick McWane said prior to Thursday's game. "He wants to play [on Friday], but we'll see how he is. But he's definitely making progress." Nishioka, 27, batting just .217/.257/.241 with a measly .498 OPS over 217 plate appearances in his first season stateside.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka (back, oblique) is available off the bench Monday. Nishioka appeared as a pinch-runner during Saturday's game, but he is still a couple of days away from swinging a bat. The Japanese infielder is currently dealing with discomfort in his lower back/oblique area.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka returned to action on Sunday August 21.