MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -The Minnesota Twins activated right-hander Scott Baker from the 15-day disabled list Wednesday night, bringing their staff to 13 pitchers.

Rookie infielder Matt Macri was optioned to Triple-A Rochester after collecting three hits in seven at-bats over four games. Baker will start Thursday against Baltimore, after spending the last month on the DL and in extended spring training trying to strengthen a strained right groin muscle.

Manager Ron Gardenhire didn't want to reduce his bench to three players, but relievers Boof Bonser and Brian Bass are out of options and would have to first clear waivers before being sent to the minors. Another right-hander, Juan Rincon, is struggling but making $2.475 million.

``We'll see how that works out for a while until we figure something else out,'' Gardenhire said.

Baker will be limited to 85 or 90 pitches.

``He's a guy we've counted on from the beginning,'' Gardenhire said. ``Hopefully he'll get back and get going here and be one of our solid starters.''Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.