Arcia sits with sore wrist; Ramirez gets start

MINNEAPOLIS -- Rookie outfielder Oswaldo Arcia, who has been swinging a hot bat in August, was held out of the lineup with a sore wrist on Friday against the White Sox.

But Arcia felt good enough to serve as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning of the Twins' 5-2 loss, popping out to third base against reliever Nate Jones with two runners on base.

Wilkin Ramirez, who was activated on Monday after a lengthy stay on the disabled list after sustaining a concussion on May 25, made the start in right field in Arcia's absence. It was Ramirez's first start since coming off the DL.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he believes the wrist injury is minor, as he wasn't even sure how Arcia injured himself. The timing also worked out with left-handers Jose Quintana and Chris Sale pitching for the White Sox on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

"We'll give him a break today and see where we are tomorrow," Gardenhire said. "We have a couple of tough lefties the next few days, so this gives me a chance to get Ramirez in there. I had to get Ramirez in a game, so this makes it easier on me."

Arcia, 22, began Friday in the midst of a career-high nine-game hitting streak. The left-handed hitter has nine extra-base hits in August, and his .596 slugging percentage this month is the eighth-best mark in the American League.