JUPITER, FLA. – Josmil Pinto will be shut down for several days after experiencing concussion-like symptoms from being hit — unintentionally — with a bat multiple times while catching during a game against Baltimore on Saturday.

Twins General Manager Terry Ryan stressed that Pinto has not been officially been diagnosed with a concussion, but the club is being cautious after three incidents with Orioles star outfielder Adam Jones.

Three times over two at-bats Jones, known for his long swing, had his bat inadvertently hit Pinto during his follow-through. The first two times were glancing blows, but the third time was more of a direct blow.

"We're just monitoring," Ryan said. "He's doing pretty well considering the circumstances. We'll just keep an eye on him for the next couple days and then we'll move forward. I was pleased with the way he looked and acted.

"We haven't taken him through any of the [concussion] program. We want to make sure. I think it's premature to say he had a concussion.' "

It's the last thing Pinto needs. He missed the first week of spring training games while recovering from a strained right quadriceps. He has played in seven games since returning, batting .353.

Twins manager Paul Molitor wasn't ready to address how this latest injury interferes with Pinto's chances of making the team as Kurt Suzuki's backup.

"There are things you can't control," Molitor said. "He's obviously come in and looked better when he's had a chance to catch. He has worked on everything from pitch to pitch as far as calling games, his mechanics, framing pitches and blocking pitches. There was a lot of improvement there."

Ryan said he has no problems with the Orioles or Jones.

"It's something you don't want to happen," Ryan said, "but it did."

Hughes struggles but gets the win

Righthander Phil Hughes gave up three runs in the third inning on Sunday and was removed with two outs in the fourth once his 74th pitch of the game struck out Giancarlo Stanton. Hughes, who got the win, saw his ERA rise to 6.35. But he is working on his changeup — which is a work in progress — and still is trying to improve his arm strength.

"I'm working through some things and trying to get a pitch count up along with throwing a few changeups along with a few other things," Hughes said. "It's part of the process right now. The positive thing from today was that I got better as things wore on."

Chaska native Brad Hand pitched the eighth and ninth innings for the Marlins, giving up no runs on two hits and striking out Kennys Vargas.

Trevor Plouffe started at third base for the Twins but moved to first base in the sixth inning. He is preparing to play first in case he's needed there because of an emergency.

On deck

Righthander Mike Pelfrey will state his case to be in the Twins rotation when he faces the Phillies on Monday in Clearwater, Fla. Righthander David Buchanan will start for the Phillies. First pitch is at 12:05 p.m. Ervin Santana will pitch in a minor league game in Fort Myers.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III