Baker could start 2008 on disabled list

Last update: March 12, 2008 - 8:46 PM

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FORT MYERS, FLA. - Twins pitcher Scott Baker will miss a start today because of a strained shoulder muscle, and it could be into next week before he pitches in another game.

The team pushed back the timeline for Baker's return again Wednesday, and Manager Ron Gardenhire didn't rule out the possibility of Baker hitting the disabled list.

He left Saturday's start after two innings, feeling a twinge in a lateral muscle in his back. He played catch Wednesday and said it felt much better, but the Twins postponed plans for Baker to pitch in a minor league game this weekend.

"He says he's OK to go out there and pitch with it," Gardenhire said. "We want it out, so it's not with him all year long.

"We appreciate guys pitching through things, but this is not the time to do it. There's kind of a lot at stake here for him."

Baker, who went 9-9 with a 4.26 ERA last year, was on schedule to be the team's No. 2 starter, following Livan Hernandez.

The Twins lost Glen Perkins for 3 1/2 months last year after he suffered a severe strain of a left lat muscle, so they're taking no chances with Baker.

He will play long-toss for the next two days, and if all goes well, he will throw a bullpen session this weekend.

Baker remained confident he will have his pitch count built up high enough to open the season with the team.

"I think as much as I'd like to be out there [now], a couple extra days is such a small sacrifice to make," he said.

Red Sox claim Mayor's Cup

The Red Sox claimed the annual Fort Myers Mayor's Cup with their 12-7 victory over the Twins on Wednesday, winning the spring series 3-2.

Brendan Harris went 2-for-3 for the Twins, with an RBI single and a two-run, opposite-field home run, lifting his average to .261.

Joe Mauer hit his first homer of the spring, along with a run-scoring double, raising his average to .412.

Center fielders Carlos Gomez and Jason Pridie each lost a ball in the sun.

Transaction blocked

The Twins tried clearing a spot on the 40-man roster for Livan Hernandez by removing outfielder Darnell McDonald, but the commissioner's office voided the move because McDonald has an injured back.

As a result, the Twins placed McDonald on unconditional release waivers and agreed to pay him 30 days of termination pay.

They made the last move with the understanding that McDonald will remain in their minor league organization, assuming he clears waivers Friday.

"It was a good resolution for everybody," Twins General Manager Bill Smith said.

Nathan update

Dave Pepe, the agent for Twins closer Joe Nathan, will be in Fort Myers again next week, but the sides have made no progress toward a contract extension since last month.

Up next

Twins righthander Nick Blackburn will make his first spring start today against Baltimore in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In two relief appearances this spring, Blackburn has given up one hit in four scoreless innings.

JOE CHRISTENSEN

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