Alex Kirilloff ramping up toward return to Twins

Rookie Alex Kirilloff returned to live action Wednesday with the Class AAA Saints as a designated hitter, hitting a two-run homer vs. Indianapolis. The plan is for him to move to the outfield Thursday.

The game was suspended in the eighth inning due to heavy rain.

Kirilloff was placed on the IL because of a right wrist sprain May 5 and has since seen some hand specialists and received a cortisone injection.

"It'll be a very good test for him, but he's ready for it," Baldelli said about the rehab stint. " I think he's pretty confident in the way he's feeling right now. Something we've been waiting for and are excited about. On top of everything else, it'll probably be good for AK to get a few at-bats anyway, see some pitching and test that wrist out at the same time."

If Kirilloff makes it through the next few games for St. Paul without any unbearable pain or stiffness, Baldelli said he could rejoin the Twins as soon as this weekend in Cleveland.