TORONTO - For now, the Twins are just thrilled Justin Morneau is playing again. They'll worry about his offensive production later.

Morneau went 0-for-4 Friday night at Rogers Centre in his first regular-season game since he suffered a concussion on the very same diamond last July 7.

After batting .152 (5-for-33) in exhibition play, Morneau did hit the ball hard to center field on his first out and flied out to the right field warning track in his second at-bat before later grounding into a double play.

"I felt good at the plate, just missed that second one," Morneau said. "I felt like I saw the ball pretty well tonight."

He would much rather talk hitting than concussions, and he hoped it would be a night to help put those questions behind him. After Toronto finished crushing the Twins 13-3, Morneau seemed most upset by the Blue Jays' fans, who kept interrupting the game by throwing their white rally towels onto the field.

Asked how it felt to be back, the Canada native said: "Well, it doesn't feel good right now. We had a towel-fest out there today. Hopefully it won't be towel giveaway day anymore. That was kind of embarrassing.

"Other than that ... in spring training it was about how I felt, and now it just matters whether we win or lose. We got beat pretty good tonight. Now we've got a chance to bounce back in 12 hours and get a win."

Workers were busy converting Rogers Centre back to baseball after hosting a Supercross motorcycle event last weekend. Before the game, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire mentioned some concerns about big seams in the artificial grass.

"It was rough, I'll say that much," Morneau said. "But you make any comment about anything bad, it sounds like you're making an excuse. We got beat, but hopefully the surface settles down by tomorrow. It was the same for both teams."

As a show of support for Morneau, the other members of his pregame hitting group -- Jim Thome, Joe Mauer and Jason Kubel -- wore helmets during batting practice, just like the one Morneau has been wearing. Most players wear caps during BP.

"Mournie does it, they all do it," Gardenhire said. "Tight-knit group."

Added Morneau: "That was more just them trying to make me not stick out like a sore thumb. It's nice to see them do that for me. Whether it protects us or not who knows, but better to be safe than sorry."

He's one of the best baseball players in Canadian history, and reporters flock to Morneau whenever he plays in Toronto.

Before the game, he was asked about another Canadian sports hero going through a slow concussion recovery. What advice does he have for the NHL's Sidney Crosby?

"Patience, not just for him but anyone going through it, kids especially," Morneau said.