MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer jogged a lap around the bases at the end of his batting practice session, and grinning teammate Justin Morneau was there at third base to jokingly wave him home.

It was good practice.

Mauer hit a home run in his first at-bat yesterday after coming off the disabled list in a 7-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

"I was a little nervous. It was kind of like an opening day," Mauer said.

Back at catcher and in the third spot in the lineup after missing the first 22 games to rehabilitate a pesky injury to his lower back, Mauer was as excited as his low-key, laid-back personality would allow.

"It feels good to be home. It's been a long month rehabbing," said Mauer.

ELSEWHERE

Blue Jays: Toronto called up left-hander Brett Cecil and right-handers Robert Ray and Brian Wolfe from Triple-A Las Vegas yesterday. Left-hander David Purcey and right-handers Brian Burres and Bryan Bullington were optioned to Las Vegas.

Indians: Cleveland activated outfielder David Dellucci from the disabled list and optioned left-hander Rich Rundles to Triple-A Columbus. Dellucci, placed on the disabled list March 29 with a strained calf.

Red Sox: Boston right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, on the 15-day disabled list since April 15 with a mild right shoulder strain, is scheduled to make his first minor league rehab start on Tuesday with Triple-A Pawtucket.

White Sox: Chicago purchased the contract of center fielder Scott Podsednik from Triple-A Charlotte and placed outfielder Brian Anderson on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained side muscle.

Yankees: New York third baseman Alex Rodriguez had a single in six at-bats as a designated hitter yesterday in an extended spring training game against Pittsburgh minor leaguers at Bradenton, Fla. Rodriguez, who had hip surgery in March, has yet to play the field.