Plouffe gets start at third base in return to Twins

MINNEAPOLIS -- After being activated from the 15-day disabled list following Friday's game, Trevor Plouffe made his return to the lineup on Saturday, starting at third base and batting sixth.

Plouffe had a big day offensively, going 3-for-3 with a homer, double, three RBIs and two runs scored to help the Twins to a 6-3 win.

It marked the first game for Plouffe since May 21, when he suffered a concussion after being kneed in the head by Braves second baseman Dan Uggla while trying to break up a double play. He was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list as a result and was all set to make his return on May 29, but strained his left calf before the game and was placed on the 15-day DL without returning to action.

So Plouffe, who turned 27 on Saturday, was happy to be back in the lineup after going 5-for-15 with a homer in four games at Triple-A Rochester as part of his rehab assignment.

"I feel good," Plouffe said. "I was able to get some good at-bats down in Rochester against some good pitchers. So I felt comfortable. Hopefully it's something I can bring here and have some success and help the team win."

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire also was glad to have Plouffe back, as the Twins saw a lack of production at third base in Plouffe's absence. Jamey Carroll and Eduardo Escobar combined to hit just .114 (10-for-88) while filling in at third base for Plouffe.

"He played down there and the reports were good," Gardenhire said "He was swinging good and running good. So all we can do is run him out there and throw back in the fire, as we say."