Plouffe slowed by sore calf; Carroll a solid option

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Third baseman Trevor Plouffe, who is dealing with a sore right calf, is participating in running and fielding drills but isn't expected to make his Grapefruit League debut until next week, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Thursday.

The Twins are set to open up Grapefruit League play on Saturday against the Orioles in Sarasota, but they'll be without Plouffe for the first few games.

"Plouffe is moving around pretty decent," Gardenhire said. "He's not at full speed yet, but he's moving along. He's feeling better and better each day. Hitting in groups and all those things. He did fielding today, which is a good thing. He's getting better. Not ready to play in game yet, but not too far away either."

With Plouffe out, Jamey Carroll is the club's No. 2 option at third base. Gardenhire said Carroll will get time at third, shortstop and second base this spring.

"He can play anywhere," Gardenhire said. "He's definitely an option behind Plouffe. I don't worry about him wherever I put him. If he's better than the other guys out there and I think he's the best way to go, that's what I'll do if I don't like my options. I don't really worry about Jamey Carroll. He knows how to play. He's a very good utility guy, but if the other guys don't get it done, we can use Jamey, too."