Chris

Colabello

Colabello, who had a strong performance for Italy during the World Baseball Classic, was hitting .358/.417/.659 with 12 home runs, 39 RBI and a 1.076 OPS through 46 games this season in Triple-A. The 29-year-old played seven seasons in the Canadian-American Association, so he makes for a tremendous story.

The move clears room for Trevor Plouffe’s return from the disabled list. Colabello went 1-for-11 in five games during his brief stint with the Twins.

Colabello was just sent down to the minors on Wednesday, but he’s eligible to return now that Trevor Plouffe has returned to the disabled list. The 29-year-old journeyman is 1-for-11 in five games with the Twins this season.

He should be good to go in the next day or two. Chis Colabello is starting at first base Saturday against the Mariners.

Colabello will serve as the team’s 26th man during Sunday’s doubleheader against the Nationals. He had two hits in 15 at-bats earlier this season for the Twins and will surely be sent back down after the game.

Colabello lasted just three days on the Twins’ roster. The 29-year-old journeyman will continue to provide organizational depth in the minors.

The game ended in the eighth inning after Mario Chiarini singled in a run to invoke the mercy rule. After defeating Mexico on Thursday, underdog Italy continues to be the surprise of the tournament. They haven’t clinched a spot in Round 2 yet, but things are looking good right now. Next up is Team USA on Saturday night.

Morneau’s replacement could potentially be himself, as the slugger, traded to the Pirates last month, is a free agent this winter. Chris Parmelee and Chris Colabello are two leading in-house candidates for the job.

Colabello has hit three homers in his last four games and now has seven home runs in limited time this season. The first baseman hit an RBI single in the second inning before launching his two-run shot in the seventh. With Justin Morneau gone, the 29-year-old will have plenty of chances during this last month of the season to make an impression on the Twins brass.

Colabello was sent down last week despite a hot bat, but he gets to return with Joe Mauer on the DL. He’ll see some playing time against left-handers.