Willingham, Arcia providing Twins with power

NEW YORK -- The Twins were hopeful that Josh Willingham and Oswaldo Arcia could bring some power to the middle of the lineup upon rejoining the team Monday after both missed nearly two months with wrist injuries.

It's been the case so far, as they entered Saturday's game against the Yankees with two homers each since Monday, including homers from both Willingham and Arcia in Friday's 6-1 win at Yankee Stadium.

Willingham entered Saturday hitting .250 (4-for-16) with two homers, four walks and four RBIs in five games, while Arcia has hit .429 (9-for-21) with two homers, three doubles and two RBIs.

"It makes a big difference," said third baseman Trevor Plouffe, who also homered Friday. "Those are two guys in the middle of our order we didn't have a couple weeks ago. Hammer is a guy who has a track record. He's going to do what he does. Arcia has shown he can do that. He can carry a team at times. That's something big for us."

Willingham, who suffered a small fracture in his left wrist when he was hit by a pitch on April 6, added that he believes his timing is starting to come around.

"I feel strong," Willingham said. "Timing is an everyday battle anyways."