Twins' Morneau returns, Parmelee optioned

Published Jul. 23, 2012 11:38 p.m. ET

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The Minnesota Twins reinstated first baseman Justin Morneau from the paternity list after Monday's game and optioned first baseman Chris Parmelee to Triple-A Rochester.

Morneau was placed on the paternity list on Saturday so he could be with his wife, Krista, who gave birth to the couple's second child. Parmelee was called up from Rochester to take Morneau's spot on the roster, although it turned out to be a brief stop in the majors for Parmelee.

Parmelee appeared in just two games during his three-day call-up, going 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI on Saturday against Kansas City. He entered Monday's game in Chicago as a pinch hitter and remained in the game in first base. He went 0-for-1 at the plate.

Morneau will re-join the Twins in time for Tuesday's game against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. Players are allowed to spend up to three days on the paternity list, a rule that was put in place for the 2011 MLB season. Minnesota outfielder Josh Willingham was also placed on the paternity list earlier this season when his wife gave birth to their third son.

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