MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Twins second baseman Tsuyoshi Nishioka does not need surgery or casting to repair his fractured left fibula, the team announced Friday during the Twins’ home opener against the Oakland Athletics.

Nishioka broke his leg Thursday after New York Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher slid into him trying to break up a double play.

According to the team’s doctor, Nishioka will be on crutches until the soreness subsides. After that, the team will go ahead with a different plan.

Gardenhire said after the Twins’ home-opening win over Oakland that the best case scenario is for Nishioka to return in 4 tor 6 weeks.

Nishioka received the largest ovation from the crowd of any player Friday as he was seen on the field in a Twins uniform and crutches.