FORT MYERS, FLA. – The family name Chargois is familiar in southwest Louisiana. They can even pronounce it: Shah-gwaa.

J.T. Chargois comes from Sulphur, named after the sulfur mines that died out a century ago in that corner of Louisiana.

"We're right there next to the swamps,'' Chargois said. "It is a sportsman's paradise. I love to fish. My grandfather just sold his flat boat, so we're going to have to do something about that when I get home.''

Chargois hasn't been home much in the past two years, since a ligament tear in his right elbow sidetracked him before the start of Twins minor league spring training in 2013.

The first treatment was an injection of platelet-rich plasma to try to promote healing. "It didn't take,'' Chargois said. "In September [2013], I went to see Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola [Fla.] and had Tommy John surgery.''

Chargois nodded across the street at the dormitory/academy that the Twins opened in 2014 and said: "I probably have more nights in there than anyone. I've been here for two years rehabbing.''

He's listed at 6-3, 200 pounds, but there appears to be more muscle than that on his frame. He's back pitching in games this spring — three seasons after being a Twins second-round pick out of Rice — and his glove-popping already has created excitement in minor league camp.

"Chargois throws 100 [mph] … legit,'' said Class AA Chattanooga manager Doug Mientkiewicz, who expects to have him on his roster. "I have a chance to have four of 'em in the bullpen that start at 98 and go from there.''

Nick Burdi was a second-round pick out of Louisville last June. He suffered a severe laceration jogging on the street but will be pitching in the next week.

"I can't wait for Nick to get going here,'' Chargois said. "I think competition within a team brings out even more in an athlete than competition with an opponent.''

Asked about waiting two years to pitch, Chargois said: "The No. 1 thing I've learned is you can't rush it. If you stay on the timetable, you'll be back on the mound, with your good stuff.''

Plus Three from Patrick

Other RH bullet throwers projected to be in Chattanooga bullpen:

Nick Burdi: 6-5, 222 pounds. Throws 100 routinely. Pitched 25 ⅔ innings (including playoffs) in Class A last season with 46 strikeouts.

Jake Reed: 6-2, 190. Fifth-rounder in 2014, gave up 11 hits in 31 innings with 0.29 ERA in low minors; followed with 0.71 ERA in 10 games in Arizona Fall League.

Zack Jones: 6-1, 210. He's been in the minor leagues for three seasons, with 118 strikeouts in 79 innings.