Buscher started at third base for the Twins on Sunday, one day after being recalled from Triple-A Rochester. He replaced shortstop Adam Everett, who went on the 15-day disabled list with a sore right shoulder.

"It feels great," said Buscher, who tuned 27 Friday. "My mom said, 'Hopefully they'll call you up sometime for your birthday.'"

Buscher had a strong start to Spring Training, but his offense faded and he was the last person cut by manager Ron Gardenhire.

"I said early on in spring that Buscher came in on a mission," Gardenhire said. "It got down to he was kind of limited to first and third and [Matt Tolbert] could do the middle[-infield] thing, and we were looking for a little more versatility off the bench, [someone who could] pinch-run and all those things. ... I really didn't want to have to send him down because I thought he came into camp just fantastic."

Instead of grumbling, Buscher worked hard and took advantage of his situation. In 15 games with the Red Wings, Buscher hit .345 with four home runs and 11 RBIs.

"I was seeing the ball good, making contact, getting on base and trying to score some runs," he said. "I guess I got into a routine and got consistent with things. It worked out well at the plate for me. Knowing you're getting four at-bats instead of two puts a little less pressure on you."

Buscher said he won't be putting any extra pressure on himself with the Twins, and that he "just wants to make the most of my opportunity."

That could be at any of three positions.

He went to Spring Training as a third baseman, but also worked on the other side of the diamond for the first time in his career.

"I just needed some experience over there," Buscher said. That continued at Rochester, where he played both corner infield positions and served as the designated hitter.

With Buscher at third Sunday, Mike Lamb moved to first base and Justin Morneau was the team's designated hitter.

"Morneau said he'd like to have a day off during one of these day games, and I told him, 'Today will be the day,'" Gardenhire said. "It's a nice opportunity for [Buscher] to come up and get a chance in the lineup and swing it a little bit. Lamber has played a lot of first in his career."

Buscher, who received the 2007 Sherry Robertson Award as the team's Minor League Player of the Year, had a rapid ascent through the organization last year, playing 63 games at Double-A and 40 at Triple-A before being called up to the big leagues July 27. He got a single off Cleveland's Paul Byrd in his debut that day.

"I thought last year, at the end, he got better as a defender and then in spring he was really good. He's worked really hard on that," Gardenhire said. "On his swing, we want him to keep the ball out of the air. He's going to get some home runs, and we know that, but [we're stressing] contact and using the whole field. ... I just want him to come up here, relax and play the game."