Twins place Trevor Plouffe on DL with intercostal strain

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Twins have placed third baseman Trevor Plouffe on the 15-day disabled list with a right intercostal strain.

Plouffe was placed on the list on Tuesday, two days after he left a win over the Angels in the 11th inning after feeling some discomfort near his ribcage.

Plouffe has emerged as one of the team leaders, and his hot bat helped propel the team to three straight victories after a 0-9 start to the season. Manager Paul Molitor says the Twins remain hopeful that Plouffe will be ready to come back to the team as soon as the 15 days are up.

The Twins recalled infielder Jorge Polanco from Triple-A Rochester to take Plouffe's spot. Polanco hit .313 in nine games with the Twins last season.