Twins General Manager Terry Ryan might not be done bringing in candidates for the vacant manager's job.

Ryan maintained Wednesday that his search is ongoing and he's not close to naming a replacement for Ron Gardenhire.

"We have not reached the final stretch of this yet," he said. "I'm still contemplating bringing in a couple more people."

It's believed the Twins have narrowed their search to three candidates — Twins coach Paul Molitor, Class A Fort Myers manager Doug Mientkiewicz and Boston bench coach Torey Lovullo. The Boston Globe reported Tuesday that the Twins have received permission to interview Lovullo a second time.

There are indications the Twins' search will not be completed until after the World Series. For one thing, owner Jim Pohlad — who receives updates from Ryan about the search — has not taken part in any of the interviews yet.

"I'm sure when the time is right, he will be part of the process," Ryan said.

Burton a free agent

The club declined to pick up the 2015 option for righthanded reliever Jared Burton. Instead of Burton making $3.6 million with the Twins next season, he receives a $200,000 buyout and is now a free agent. Burton, 33, posted a 4.36 ERA and earned three saves in 68 games with the Twins this season. In three seasons with the Twins, Burton was 8-16 with a 3.47 ERA in 203 games.

Ryan left open the possibility of signing Burton during the offseason, probably for a reduced coast, but Ryan believes there will be plenty of competition for spots in the bullpen next season. He also said he will be on the lookout for potential bullpen upgrades.

"I think we ran out of gas last year," Ryan said. "Some of it was that we had to go in there and overexpose some of our relievers. Then we had a couple injuries at the end."