FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) – Julio Zuleta is one of five Boston Red Sox vying for playing time at first base and designated hitter. In terms of name recognition, his is probably the least known among them.

But Zuleta has made a convincing case for himself, hitting .391 this spring. He went 3-for-4 with a home run and five RBIs Thursday, leading the Red Sox to an 8-4 exhibition victory over the Minnesota Twins. He hit a two-run single in the first inning, a two-run single in the fifth and a solo home run to the scoreboard in left-center in the seventh.

Zuleta spent the past three years shuttling back and forth between the Chicago Cubs and their Triple-A affiliate in Iowa. He was the DH on Thursday, but he can play first base and outfield.

Zuleta is competing for playing time with Jeremy Giambi, Kevin Millar, David Ortiz and Shea Hillenbrand, all of whom have more major league experience than he does.

“I’m just here to do my job whenever [manager] Grady [Little] gives me a chance to play and show him what I can do,” he said.

Boston starter Derek Lowe continues to struggle this spring. He gave up three hits and two runs in three innings against Minnesota. He walked one and struck out three.

“He’s struggling to get hitting on all cylinders,” Little said.

Brandon Lyon gave up three hits and one run in three innings for the win.

Minnesota starter Johan Santana went three innings and gave up two runs on five hits.

With left-hander Eric Milton on the 60-day disabled list following arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, Santana figured to begin the season in the Twins’ rotation. But Minnesota’s signing of veteran lefty Kenny Rogers is likely to bump him from the starting rotation.

“They told me that I was the sixth starter on this team and that if any of these guys go down I was going replace them,” Santana said. “Now everything has changed. It’s not easy, but I have to play my game.”

Minnesota’s Jeromy Palki, who gave up three runs on four hits in two innings, took the loss.

Boston’s Manny Ramirez continues to swing a hot bat. He went 2-for-2 to raise his average to .565 (13-for-23).

Nomar Garciaparra also had two hits for the Red Sox. Lou Collier had two hits, including an eighth-inning home run.

Minnesota’s Michael Ryan had a home run and two RBIs.

NOTES: Despite the loss, the Twins hold a 3-2 lead in the best-of-7 spring series between the teams, who both train in Fort Myers … Boston RHP Bobby Howry pitched Thursday after missing a week with a sore throwing arm. He gave up the home run to Ryan, the first batter he faced, but Little said it was more important that Howry pitched pain-free … Boston CF Johnny Damon is expected to be out until Saturday with a sore left elbow … Twins 1B Todd Sears is hitting .394 this spring.