Florimon bringing strong glove to Twins

MINNEAPOLIS -- Infielder Pedro Florimon was active on Wednesday after having his contract selected from Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday night, but he wasn't in the starting lineup because he wasn't scheduled to arrive at Target Field until shortly before game time.

It's Florimon's second time in the Majors. He played in four games with the Orioles last season as a September callup, going 1-for-8 with a double while making two starts at shortstop.

"He's your typical slick-fielding infielder," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He can really pick it. In Spring Training, he had the best hands of anyone in camp. He's done pretty good and is a switch-hitter but is more of a defensive-wiz guy. This will be a good experience for him."

Florimon, 25, was claimed off waivers by the Twins over the offseason. He started the year at Double-A New Britain, where he hit .283 with two homers and four doubles in 30 games before moving up to Triple-A. He batted .251 with three homers, 16 doubles and four triples with the Red Wings and was an International League All-Star.

But defense is Florimon's calling card. He's primarily a shortstop but has also seen time at second base. Gardenhire said Florimon will see action in the middle infield along with Jamey Carroll and Alexi Casilla after shortstop Brian Dozier was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday.

"He'll play," Gardenhire said. "I don't wait to sit him too much. So he'll be part of the mix."