Machado will start season on disabled list

Twins backup infield candidate Alejandro Machado, who has not participated in a spring training game because of tendinitis in his right shoulder, will likely start the season on the disabled list, manager Ron Gardenhire said Monday.

Machado did infield drills for the second time Monday and was unable to drop his arm and throw at an angle without pain.

Gardenhire said he doesn’t want to look elsewhere for a utility infielder and will start the season with the infielders he has. Luis Rodriguez and Jeff Cirillo will back up shortstop Jason Bartlett, Gardenhire said.

The skipper has been adamant all spring that Nick Punto will play just third base, and still took that stance Monday, but said, in an emergency, Punto could move over to short, as well.

“If we got someone, it would be one of those guys that we pick up and can’t send down,” Gardenhire said. “An out-of-options type player. I’m not going to deal with that stuff. These guys have worked too hard that are in camp, and I like my infielders.

“I’ll look at all those different options and stay away from trying to go get somebody. I don’t like that idea. I like what I’ve got here.”