FORT MYERS, FLA. -- Twins first baseman Justin Morneau said he is cautiously optimistic his concussion symptoms are behind him after seeing his first game action in more than eight months.
Morneau went 1-for-2 with a three-run double and played four innings at first base today in a B-game against the Pirates on a back field at the Lee County Sports Complex.
It was the first time Morneau had played in a game since July 7, when he suffered a concussion while trying to break up a double play in Toronto.
Morneau said his doctor gave him clearance to play after a one-hour phone conversation Monday. Morneau had gone to see that doctor for a check-up in Pittsburgh last Wednesday.
"The doctor said I'm not at risk more than anyone else that's out there," Morneau said. "That's what it came down to."
With his wife, Krista, and 5-month-old daughter, Evelyn, watching with about 200 fans, reporters and scouts, Morneau had an action-packed day.
He grounded to second base in his first at-bat off Pirates righthander Brad Lincoln. Then, in the third inning, Morneau came up with the bases loaded and lined a double down the right-field line.
Later in the inning, Morneau scored on a bloop single by Trevor Plouffe. There was a throw to the plate, and Morneau slid feet-first, though the play wasn't close.
