FORT MYERS, FLA. -- The Twins aren't sure if Twins pitcher Scott Baker will open the season the 25-man roster or the disabled list.
For now, Baker is still hoping to pitch the April 9 home opener against the Angels. But he came down with right elbow tendonitis after last Saturday's B-game appearance against Pittsburgh.
He played long-toss today, and the new plan has him throwing bullpen sessions Saturday and Monday, assuming all goes well. The soonest he would pitch in a game again is next Thursday, pitching coach Rick Anderson said.
Anderson and Baker acknowledged the possibility that the Twins will open the season with a four-man starting rotation, taking advantage of the scheduled off day April 10. This would allow Baker to rejoin the rotation the second time through. This is similar to how Baker did it in 2009, when he opened the year on the DL but made 33 starts and went 15-9 with a 4.37 ERA.
"If that's what we need to do, then that's what we need to do," Baker said. "I know I would love to make the home opener start, and as far as I know, that's still the case. But you've got to do what's smart and wise and do whatever it takes to get ready for a long season."
