Baseball: Twins: Morales, Punto both have wrist surgery

MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota Twins backup catcher Jose Morales will be out until mid-March following surgery on his injured right wrist. Starting second baseman Nick Punto won't need as much time for his recovery.

General manager Bill Smith confirmed Friday that Morales had surgery on Thursday. He says Morales will be ready for the regular season. His contributions will be more critical to supplement AL MVP Joe Mauer, now that veteran Mike Redmond is with Cleveland.

Punto was scheduled for surgery Friday on his right wrist.

Smith called Punto's operation more of a "clean up" than the repair Morales needed. Position players report to spring training by Feb. 26, and Smith says Punto will be recovered by then.