Luis Arraez played in his first game since May 23 on Friday, tallying one hit and one RBI for the St. Paul Saints.
The Twins utility player led off for the Triple-A squad and played second base Saturday after previously manning left field. And he hoped his rehab assignment might end there.
"I'm almost back," Arraez said.
Arraez hurt his right shoulder sliding hands first into second base May 22 at Cleveland. While he played the rest of the game as well as the next, he eventually went on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder strain from a partial dislocation.
Arraez said hitting and throwing were equally difficult for his shoulder, but he's now pain-free. And despite almost three weeks away from baseball, he said he never lost his timing at the plate.
"It's right here," Arraez said, pointing to his temple. "Mentally."
Something Arraez did try to leave behind with his injury was his sliding technique. Instead of letting his instincts take hold, he said he will only slide feet first now.
Byron Buxton was also in the Saints lineup Saturday at center field, batting behind Arraez while continuing to rehab his right hip. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said the team will evaluate Arraez and Buxton on Sunday to see if they're ready to rejoin the major league team.