FORT MYERS, FLA. -- Twins pitcher Scott Baker played an important game of catch Friday.
The righthander has been dealing with right elbow inflammation, so he was skipped this time through the rotation. Baker took a couple days off after last Saturday's outing, allowing the inflammation to subside, and threw from about 120 feet on Friday.
Playing catch with Glen Perkins, Baker was not firing the ball as hard as the other pitchers. But afterward, he met with pitching coach Rick Anderson and head trainer Rick McWane. The plan is for Baker to throw long-toss again Saturday, followed by a bullpen session.
Baker, 30, has dealt with elbow inflammation in previous spring trainings.
"I took a couple days off allowing the inflammation to subside," Baker said. "That's what causes the discomfort is the inflammation. For me, it's something I have to work through. Now I'm starting to feel better, and it's something I need to push a little bit."
Baker will have to prove he can let it go a little bit before the Twins will clear him to pitch in a game again, so Saturday will be another important day for him.
GAME 1
It's a split-squad, day-night doubleheader day for the Twins. They'll play the Red Sox tonight at JetBlue Park, but here are the lineups for this afternoon's game against the Orioles.
ORIOLES (7-7)
1. Robert Andino, 2B
2. Wilson Betemit, LF
3. J.J. Hardy, SS
4. Chris Davis, 1B
5. Adam Jones, CF
6. Mark Reynolds, 3B
7. Ronny Paulino, DH
8. Jai Miller, RF
9. John Hester, C
