The Twins have spoken with righthanded reliever Kevin Slowey about sending him to Class AAA Rochester to become a starter again.

But first, they want to make sure Slowey is healthy.

Slowey, 27, had a magnetic resonance imaging exam Monday, which showed no major damage to his abdominal muscles. But the Twins also want him to see groin, abdomen and hernia specialist, to make sure he's OK.

When asked after Monday's 10-inning loss to Seattle if the Twins had made a roster move, manager Ron Gardenhire said, "No, not yet."

Earlier, Gardenhire said: "We all know [Slowey] needs to pitch. He's basically told us, he really can't do this out of the 'pen, so now we've gotta find another way."

It's possible the Twins will eventually trade Slowey, but he has little value as a fringe starter who is making $2.7 million.

Slowey is 0-0 with a 4.91 ERA in six relief appearances, spanning 14 2/3 innings. He is 39-21 with a 4.42 ERA in 82 career starts.

"There's no question at this point [Slowey's] best role is as a starter," Twins General Manager Bill Smith said. "Right now, we've had five guys who haven't missed a start. Most years you don't make it through April without using another starter. I'm happy we haven't had to do that, but it's been a difficult transition for [Slowey]."

More injuries strike After the seventh inning Monday, Michael Cuddyer left the game because of a strained right hip, and Delmon Young came out because of a contusion on his left leg.

Gardenhire said Young should be fine after fouling a ball off the leg, but Cuddyer was walking with a limp after injuring himself on a swing. Cuddyer said he felt tightness in the hip but hopes he isn't out for long.

"I've fully blown out stuff before, and it definitely doesn't feel like that, at all," he said. "Hopefully once I get some anti-inflammatories in me, hopefully I'll be able to play [Tuesday]. But we'll see how it feels when I come in here."

Mauer improves Joe Mauer felt pain in his right shoulder last week after his first workout in Fort Myers, Fla. The Twins had him cut back on his throwing for a few days, and he was back to making strong throws from 120 feet Monday.

He's getting close to being able to DH in an extended spring training game, but Twins trainer Rick McWane said he is not sure if that will happen Tuesday.

Nishioka nearing action Infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka should be ready to begin playing in rehab games by week's end, McWane said.

Nishioka fractured his left fibula on April 7, so it will be seven weeks on Thursday. Gardenhire said Nishioka likely will need at least 40 to 50 at-bats before being ready to come off the DL.

"I definitely want to give him time," Gardenhire said. "I've seen other guys come back quick, and it didn't work out."

Mijares update Jose Mijares (strained left elbow) is scheduled to throw off a mound Tuesday with a bullpen session later in the week. He is eligible to come off the DL Monday.