FORT MYERS, FLA. – Tommy Milone grinned as he walked off the mound Saturday, and why wouldn't he?

He had just thrown 75 pitches in a simulated game at CenturyLink Sports Complex — manager Paul Molitor and bench coach Joe Vavra stood in as batters — and didn't have to worry about someone bashing his pitches. It's not the ideal situation, but Milone got his work in and remains on track to be able to throw 100 pitches when the regular season starts.

"I felt good," Milone said.

It was the best Milone and the Twins could do after their game against the Pirates on Saturday in Bradenton was wiped out because of rain. It forced the Twins to improvise to keep Milone on schedule. Milone had to spend three hours on a bus, going to Bradenton and back, and he didn't get to face live hitters.

It will be easier for Molitor and pitching coach Neil Allen to find work for the relievers who were sidelined on Saturday. They can send a reliever down the road to pitch an inning in a minor league game.

"Trying to eat up five innings on the other side is a little tougher to do," Molitor said, "but we can spot people back in."

Saturday marked the first rained-out game of the spring for the Twins. It might not be long before they could face a second one. Rain is in the forecast for Sunday, when the Twins play host to the Yankees.

"[That] would be concerning because we would be backed up back-to-back days," Molitor said. "Let's hope we get a chance to play."

There will be no makeup date for Saturday's rainout.

La VELLE E. NEAL IIII