Plouffe (intercostal strain) is expected to head out on a rehab assignment this weekend, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
It seems the plan is for Plouffe to play two or three games with a minor league affiliate to knock the rust off, with an eye toward returning May 3 when first eligible. Plouffe landed on the DL earlier this month with an intercostal strain, leaving Eduardo Nunez and Miguel Sano to handle duties at the hot corner. The 29-year-old Plouffe went 12-for-43 with four doubles and two homers in his first 12 games.