Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said that Chris Parmelee (head) is available off the bench Friday night, but that he'll likely shy away from using him. Parmelee hasn't played since since being hit in the helmet by a Justin Thomas fastball during Wednesday's game against the Red Sox. He showed no signs of a concussion and his headaches are already gone, so it shouldn't be much longer before he's ready to return.

Chris Parmelee (head) is day-to-day. Parmelee made an early exit from Wednesday's game against the Red Sox after being hit in the helmet with a Justin Thomas fastball. But he was able to walk off the field under his own power and seems to have avoided a concussion. The 24-year-old is batting .260/.315/.380 in 15 games this year.

Chris Parmelee led the way as Minnesota picked up its first win of the season on Wednesday, going 2-for-3 with a triple, run scored and two RBI. With the Twins trailing 5-3 in the seventh, Parmelee ripped Hisanori Takahashi for a three bagger, plating Ryan Doumit and Danny Valencia. He scored what would prove to be the winning run three batters later on a Jamey Carroll single. Both the extra-base hit and RBI were Parmelee's first of the season. He'll bring a .273/.333/.455 triple slash into play on Thursday.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Monday that Chris Parmelee will begin the season as the team's starting first baseman. Not surprising now that Justin Morneau has indicated that he would prefer to be the team's designated hitter. Parmelee has some pop in his bat, so he is worth watching in AL-only formats. Ryan Doumit doesn't have a clear path to at-bats at the moment, but he'll likely have to split his time between first base, catcher, right field and the DH spot. Fantasy owners will have to watch the lineup card carefully.

Chris Parmelee went 2-for-3 and hit his fourth homer Friday against the Blue Jays. Parmelee continues to state his case for first base. The 24-year-old definitely has the power for the position, but that's going to be partly neutralized by Target Field and it remains to be seen if he'll be able to keep his average up. He's a sleeper in AL-only leagues, but don't go overboard.

Phil Mackey of 1500ESPN.com writes that Chris Parmelee will likely be the Opening Day first baseman. Justin Morneau recently indicated that he would be more comfortable as the team's designated hitter, at least in the short-term, which has caused the Twins to reevaluate things. Parmelee had four homers and 14 RBI as a September call-up with the Twins last year after batting .287/.366/.436 with 13 home runs, 83 RBI and an .801 OPS with Double-A New Britain. We could see him having some sleeper potential in AL-only formats. With the recent changes, Ryan Doumit will likely have to shuffle between right field, catcher, DH and first base.

Chris Parmelee got the start in right field for the Twins on Sunday but went 0-for-4 against the Cardinals. Right field is wide open in Minnesota with the news that Josh Willingham would play left. Parmelee has had the best spring of the Twins' options there, but he's also the weakest defender in the group. An outfield with him and Willingham in the corners would have serious issues.

Chris Parmelee hit a two-run homer as a Twins split-squad topped the Rays 5-3 on Sunday. Parmelee went 2-for-2 in relief of Justin Morneau last night, so he's opened the spring 3-for-5. It's highly unlikely that he'll make the Twins unless Morneau has a setback, but given the risk that comes with Morneau, he should be a top reserve pick in AL-only leagues.

Chris Parmelee went 2-for-5 with an RBI in Sunday's 10-inning victory over the Indians. Parmelee is hitting a scorching .343/.421/.537 with 13 RBI through his first 18 major league games, though his numbers took a hit during an 0-for-8 performance in Saturday's doubleheader. Parmelee was just a .266/.355/.436 hitter in 2,663 career minor league plate appearances, but he's given himself a decent shot at a bench spot in 2012 with his strong finish. With Justin Morneau's continued health concerns, Parmelee could make an impact in AL-only leagues under the right circumstances next year.

Chris Parmelee went 2-for-5 and homered Monday in the loss to the Yankees. With a .368 average and a 5/5 K/BB ratio in 38 at-bats, Parmelee has been a very nice surprise to date. The former first-round pick is still a long shot to begin next season in the majors, but he could be nice insurance if Justin Morneau continues to have problems.