Nunez placed on DL with left oblique strain
Twins call up Bernier to provide depth on bench
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins placed utility man Eduardo Nunez on the 15-day disabled list with a left oblique strain after Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the A's, and purchased infielder Doug Bernier's contract from Triple-A Rochester.
The move was unexpected, as Nunez's injury wasn't disclosed until Tuesday night. He last played on Wednesday, when he served as a pinch-runner, so the move is retroactive to Thursday. He's played in just eight games this year, hitting .409/.458/.591 with four doubles and two RBIs.
Bernier, 34, was added to the 40-man roster, as the Twins had an open spot stemming from right-hander Ervin Santana's 80-game suspension.
The decision to promote Bernier was also a surprise, as he had been struggling at Triple-A Rochester, hitting just .239/.280/.310 with one homer and six RBIs in 20 games. He played mostly shortstop this year, but saw action at all four infield spots and both corner outfield spots at Triple-A last season.
Bernier, who is a career .219/.333/.266 hitter in 42 big league games, isn't expected to see much playing time while Nunez is out. He was promoted over outfielder Aaron Hicks and catcher Josmil Pinto, who are both off to impressive starts at Triple-A Rochester.