DUNEDIN, FLA. – Twins General Manager Terry Ryan "is pleased with the progress" he has made in recovering from cancer surgery on his neck and is ready to begin six weeks of radiation treatment, assistant GM Rob Antony said Saturday.

"I talked to him this morning on the drive over [to Dunedin] for about a half-hour, and he sounded good. He's doing well," Antony said. "He's trying to regain a sense of normalcy."

Ryan underwent surgery Feb. 11 to remove squamous-cell cancer from the lymph nodes in his neck. The five-times-a-week radiation sessions make it unlikely he will make it to Florida this spring, but Antony said he is engaged and up-to-date on the team's progress and will take part in any debate over roster moves.

"He's always going to have his opinions. He doesn't have to be sitting here in the stands every day," Antony said. "He knows as much about these players as anybody."

Florimon feeling good

Pedro Florimon is going through fielding drills and taking batting practice with no problems stemming from Feb. 17 surgery to remove his appendix. He feels good, has no checkups scheduled and is at the point where he hopes to play in his first spring training game in a week.

The Twins were worried about whether the shortstop would be ready for Opening Day. But if he can play within a week, he would have about two weeks of games to prepare for the season.

"I think 25, 30 at-bats, and I think I would be ready," he said.

Bad chicken?

Two days ago, Oswaldo Arcia was so sick players were scattering as he walked through the clubhouse. Friday, he shook his head when asked if he felt any better.

But Saturday, he smiled and announced he has gotten rid of the bug that knocked him out of the lineup. "Three days ago, I ate some chicken," he said, "and right after that, I got sick."

Still, manager Ron Gardenhire said the young outfielder likely would sit out Sunday's game as well.

Etc.

• Eddie Rosario, the minor league second baseman who must serve a 50-game drug suspension once the season begins, has not yet reported to camp, with the team's permission. "He's taking care of some personal issues before he reports," Antony said of the 22-year-old Puerto Rican.

• Outfielder Aaron Hicks was given the weekend off to allow his elbow tightness to subside. "He said he doesn't feel any [pain] when he throws, and just a little tightness when he swings," Antony said. "With the day off Monday, they're looking at it like, take it easy and we'll readdress it Tuesday."

• Matt Guerrier reported no lingering issues after throwing a live bullpen session Friday, and the veteran reliever is expected to make his spring debut on Tuesday.

• Lefthander Edgar Ibarra still is being treated for viral issues after undergoing a new round of tests, Antony said. His return date is unknown.

On deck

The Twins welcome an old friend, righthander Jeff Manship, to Fort Myers on Sunday, as he will start for the Phillies at Hammond Stadium. Mike Pelfrey will pitch for the Twins.