SEATTLE -- Catcher Kurt Suzuki, who was evaluated for a possible concussion after leaving Saturday night's game against the Mariners, was not in the lineup Sunday but could play if needed, Twins manager Paul Molitor said.
"Kurt's doing better today than he was last night," Molitor said. "I'm staying away from him in terms of starting lineup. I know he's available, which is good to have a little bit of security in that position."
Suzuki came out of the game in the third inning feeling woozy. He apparently had taken a foul tip, although there was no indication at the time.
Suzuki, who has started 30 games behind the plate, was evaluated after leaving the game and passed the concussion protocol Saturday night, Molitor said.
"We'll just kind of monitor him. I don't know about [Monday], another day game, we'll have to see how he does," Molitor said. "But, I think today reports are he's a lot better than he was when he left here last night, as far as just how he's feeling."
The availability of Suzuki for Sunday lessens the chance the Twins would have to turn to an emergency catcher with little experience at the position. Infielders Byung Ho Park and Eduardo Escobar have been mentioned as possible fill-in candidates.
Juan Centeno, who replaced Suzuki on Saturday, made his eighth start at catcher Sunday. He was hitting .241 with one homer and three RBIs in 29 at-bats.
Suzuki is hitting .200 with one homer and 10 RBIs in 95 at-bats.
Molitor said before Sunday's game there was no need to consider the disabled list for Suzuki.
"We're not in the concussion area, we're just taking a hit and having it take its toll, which is serious enough, believe me," Molitor said.
Plouffe update: Third baseman Trevor Plouffe, who left Friday night's game with a bone bruise in his right knee, was out of the lineup for the second straight game.
"Wasn't planning on playing him today," Molitor said. "We'll kind of re-evaluate [Monday] morning to see if he might be able to play."