Everett returns from rehab, future uncertain

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -Minnesota Twins shortstop Adam Everett returned from his rehab assignment on Tuesday, but his future with the club remained unclear.

General Manager Bill Smith said during Tuesday's game against the Chicago White Sox that Everett has been given a contemplated outright assignment form, which gives the veteran three days to decide if he would accept a demotion to Triple-A Rochester. Smith also clarified that no official roster move has been made yet.

If Everett refuses the demotion, the Twins could designate him for assignment, giving the team 10 days to trade him or release him.

"I just basically told him 'I don't have a spot for you,"' said Twins manager Ron Gardenhire, who would like to see Everett keep playing at Triple-A. "I can't send any of these other guys down right now."

Everett landed on the disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis on May 22 and completed a 20-day rehab assignment Monday.

A spot could open pending the results of an MRI on the right thumb of second baseman Alexi Casilla. Casilla sprained the thumb during Monday's win over the Chicago White Sox.

Gardenhire said an X-ray of the thumb looked fine, but the team also wanted to look at an MRI.

Minnesota signed Everett to provide a veteran presence and improve its defense up the middle. However, Everett hit only .189 in 25 games and looked shaky in the field.

The strong play of Casilla, the re-emergence of Nick Punto, and the versatility of Brendan Harris made Everett the odd man out.