Trevor Plouffe began the season hot, but inconsistency at the plate and spotty defense have plagued the former shortstop.

Plouffe is hitting .240/.308/.464 with 19 home runs and 41 RBIs.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan wants Plouffe to step up and take hold of the team's third base job over the long-term.

"Now it's time for him to step up and take that position and give us some thoughts that, 'OK, we don't need to address that,'" he said.

"He's in the prime of his career, he's been looking for a spot to call his own, and now here's his opportunity, so I hope he takes advantage of the situation. ... He's got the rest of the year to do it."