Buxton, Pineda return to lead Twins past White Sox 3-2

Byron Buxton returned with a bang and so did Michael Pineda, rallying Minnesota Twins past Chicago White Sox 3-2 on Tuesday night to snap a six-game losing streak.

Buxton came off injured list and h two hits, including go-ahe single in seventh inning. Gold Glove center fielder also robbed Edwin Encarnación of a home run in sixth.

Pineda pitched six strong innings, giving up two runs and six hits in his first outing after being suspended 60 games last year for using a banned diuretic. He served final 36 games of penalty this season, returning to provide a big boost to Minnesota's rotation.

Caleb Thielbar (1-0) earned win with a scoreless inning of relief after Twins rallied against Chicago’s bullpen. Matt Wisler got his second career save and first since 2016 with Atlanta.

talented but oft-injured Buxton capped his return from left shoulder inflammation with a single to drive in Nelson Cruz in seventh.

Jimmy Cordero (0-2) permitted two runs in relief of White Sox starter Dallas Keuchel.

Tim Anderson h three hits and Eloy Jiménez delivered a two-run double, but Chicago lost for just third time in 15 games and fell into a tie with Cleveland atop AL Central.

Pineda found his stride last year in his first season with Minnesota following Tommy John surgery. He was 7-1 with a 2.76 ERA in 11 starts before his suspension for a diuretic was announced in September. He was suspended 80 games before an appeal reduced punishment to 60 games.

Pineda was allowed to work out with team in spring and h been pitching at team’s alternate training site before being activated.

His return to mound got off to a bumpy start.

Anderson led off game with an infield single after he beat Pineda to first base. José Abreu singled and both runners scored on Jiménez’s double. Pineda n retired 11 of next 12 batters.

big right-hander appeared to hit a wall in fifth when he allowed a pair of hits and a walk to lo bases, but he got Abreu to ground out weakly to end inning.

Twins scored a run in fifth and n tied game in sixth with a pair of pinch hits. Jake Cave tripled and scored on Luis Arraez’s double.

TRAINER’S ROOM

White Sox: Manager Rick Renteria said he hopes 3B Yoán Monca is able to return Wednesday after missing his third straight game with lingering soreness in back of his left leg.

Twins: Manager Rocco Baldelli said 3B Josh Donaldson could return “in a matter of a day, I would say, or two” from his strained right calf. Donaldson played an intrasqu game at team’s alternate site on Monday. He’s missed past 27 games with injury after hitting .182 with one homer in his first seven games of season.