Baker likely to be placed on 15-day disabled list

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: May 6, 2008 - 7:46 AM

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Indications are that the Twins will be extremely cautious with righthander Scott Baker and place him on the 15-day disabled list so he can fully heal from a mild right groin muscle strain. That means the Twins will need a starter for Saturday's game vs. the Red Sox.

Baker, who initially was scheduled to start Thursday, underwent a MRI exam Monday that didn't show anything seriously wrong.

"Nothing different from what the doctors observed," Twins General Manager Bill Smith said. "Kevin Slowey will pitch on Thursday and we will re-evaluate that Saturday spot."

Baker has had to leave each of his past two starts because of the injury. On Saturday, he told the team he felt a slight pull in the area while throwing the final pitch of the third inning. He didn't experience as much discomfort as he did in Texas April 26, when he was forced to leave after 4 1/3 innings.

With Slowey starting Thursday, Saturday's starting spot initially was held open for Baker if he could recover in time. But the Twins now prefer to ensure he doesn't have another setback.

Lefthander Glen Perkins could be called up from Class AAA Rochester to start Saturday, or the club could use a spot starter out of the bullpen, though this scenario appears less likely.

Liriano's progress

Francisco Liriano, in his second outing since being sent to Class AAA Rochester, gave up one run over five innings on two hits and struck out four but walked four batters Monday during a 7-6 loss to Columbus. Liriano threw 87 pitches, 47 for strikes.

It was a little better than his outing Wednesday, when he gave up four earned runs on five hits over 4 1/3 innings with five walks and three strikeouts.