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.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka (back) remained out of the Twins' lineup Sunday.

It's the second straight game he's missed due to a stiff back. He should be considered day-to-day.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka was a late scratch from Saturday's lineup due to back spasms.

Matt Tolbert replaces him in the starting lineup against A.J. Burnett, batting ninth and playing shortstop. He's day-to-day, though the Twins don't figure to miss him much. Nishioka has been as bad in the field as he's been at the plate (.217/.257/.241) in his first season in the states.

Twins assistant GM Rob Antony said Tsuyoshi Nishioka will be given a "mulligan" season for 2012.

Nishioka has been woeful in the field and at the plate (.217/.257/.241) in his first season in the states, but it's not a surprise that the Twins aren't ready to dump their $9 million investment just yet. We would certainly expect him to have to compete for a starting job next year at either shortstop or second base, though, so he might wind up being only an expensive backup.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka is batting .217/.262/.244 through his first 190 major-league plate appearances.

If you combine that horrific triple slash with Nishioka's -1.0 dWAR, you have a pretty convincing argument that nobody in the majors has been worse this season. It's not unusual for Japanese players to struggle during their first season in America, but Nishioka is going to have to show dramatic improvement next spring if he wants to avoid becoming the position-player equivalent of Kei Igawa.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka is out of Monday's lineup against the Red Sox.

Nishioka is getting the night off following the birth of his daughter. He is not expected to be placed on the paternity leave list. Matt Tolbert will make the start at shortstop Monday.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka had two hits and two RBI against the Indians on Wednesday.

His two-run single in the eighth increased Minnesota's lead from 5-4 to 7-4, giving Joe Nathan the margin for error he'd need in what ended up being a 7-5 victory. Nishioka has been a huge liability to date, but there's still hope that he'll improve the more he adapts to facing American League pitching.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka went 3-for-3 with a walk and a run scored Wednesday against the Rays.

It's the first time in 25 games as a major leaguer that he's had three hits. Nishioka, now hitting .217, is still looking for his first homer after 83 at-bats.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka finished 0-for-3 in Tuesday's 3-2 win, lowering his average to .188.

One year after winning the Nippon Professional Baseball batting title, Nishioka finds himself well below the Mendoza Line. Fracturing his fibula earlier this season couldn't have helped, as adjusting to major league pitching can take time. The Twins have little choice but to remain patient, as back-up Matt Tolbert and Triple-A stud Trevor Plouffe fared no better in Nishioka's absence.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka (hamstring) is back in Friday's lineup against the Brewers.

Nishioka didn't start Thursday due to a sore hamstring, but stayed in the game after striking out as a pinch-hitter in the top of the eight hinning. He's batting .190 (4-for-21) since returning from the disabled list.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka is not in Thursday's lineup against the Giants due to a sore hamstring.

Similar to his teammate Joe Mauer, Nishioka is expected to return to the lineup Friday. Matt Tolbert will start at shortstop Thursday and bat eighth against Giants' ace Tim Lincecum.