Minnesota star Joe Mauer is hitting in March like, well, an MVP.

Mauer got two hits in his return from a four-day absence Tuesday, as the Baltimore Orioles beat the Twins, 3-1.

The 26-year-old catcher had been out while resting a sore right shoulder, the result of a stray foul tip. He said all along there was no reason for concern.

The three-time AL batting champion and reigning MVP is hitting .600 this spring.

The Twins also said closer Joe Nathan will test his right elbow during a bullpen session this weekend. After he throws, Nathan will determine whether he can pitch through a torn ulnar collateral ligament or have season-ending surgery.

Former Padres general manager Kevin Towers has been hired as a special assignment scout by New York. Towers was fired by the Padres after 14 years as their GM.

Reliever Cory Wade will have surgery on his right shoulder and is expected to miss at least three months, another blow to the team's bullpen plans.

The Nationals, who led the majors last year with 103 losses, ended an 0-11 skid with two split-squad victories. The first was against the Marlins, 12-3, with four home runs, including a grand slam by Willie Harris. In the second, Ivan Rodriguez drove in three runs to beat Kyle Lohse and the Cardinals, 4-2. ... Ryan Howard hit his first home run of the spring leading Cole Hamels and the Phillies past the Tigers, 6-1.

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