RBI leader Colabello gives Mauer a rest at first

MINNEAPOLIS -- Having served as third-base coach with the Twins starting in 1991, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire had a chance to see the final five seasons of Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett's career up close.

So when Chris Colabello broke Puckett's club record for RBIs in the month of April with his 27th RBI in Friday's 10-6 loss to the Tigers, Gardenhire realized how impressive it was for Colabello to top Puckett's mark that was set in 1994.

"It's pretty impressive," Gardenhire said. "He's got his name sitting next to one of the best players I ever saw. So that's a pretty cool thing. That's pretty special."

Colabello was back in his usual spot as cleanup hitter on Saturday, but he made his third start of the season at first base to give Joe Mauer a break. Mauer made the start at designated hitter. Both players have started all 23 of Minnesota's games this season.

"He's a first baseman, so it's natural for him," Gardenhire said. "He did that a lot in Spring Training, and he'll do it here to give a break to people. It just works out here. Joe has been on the field an awful lot so it gives him a little refresher here, but he's still in the lineup."