Minnesota Twins left-hander Scott Diamond, just five months removed from elbow surgery, allowed just three hits in seven shutout innings against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night.

Diamond still felt strong when he left the game, but understands Minnesota's cautious approach.

"This is only my (fifth) start after surgery," he said, "so I feel it was a smart play."

He retired his last 15 batters, didn't allow a runner past second base, struck out two and walked none.

"Diamond was great for us," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said, but "coming off the elbow thing, we're really a little leery of" letting him throw too many pitches.

He threw 96 against Boston after tossing 78, 97, 97 and 88 in his other starts.

"Everything's kind of been getting back in sync," Diamond said. "That's the focus now, just continue to build and get stronger."