Baker pounded in B-game against the Pirates

BRADENTON, FLA. -- Scott Baker had a rough outing this morning in a B-game over at the Pirates minor-league complex.

Baker gave up six runs on six hits and recorded just four outs, throwing 44 pitches.

Baker spoke with the media after he was done and said his arm is not bothering him. That’s probably the most important thing. It really looked like he just wanted to get his work in. He was throwing nice and easy, with his fastball clocked between 83-86 mph.

I don’t think the Twins should be too alarmed. Baker was pitching on three day’s rest after tossing two scoreless innings against the Rays on Tuesday. The Twins had him wait until the third inning to enter the game, giving him more time to warm up, since the bus arrived about a half-hour before the game’s 10 a.m., first pitch.

That said, it will be interesting to see how Baker looks in five days, when he pitches again.

In today’s A-game, the Twins will be using the DH, but the Pirates have a pitcher’s spot in the batting order.

TWINS (3-5)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Jamey Carroll, SS
3. Josh Willingham, RF
4. Justin Morneau, DH
5. Danny Valencia, 3B
6. Trevor Plouffe, LF
7. Steve Pearce, 1B
8. Rene Rivera, C
9. Alexi Casilla, 2B

Listed pitchers: Terry Doyle, Matt Maloney, Kyle Waldrop, Anthony Swarzak, Aaron Thompson, P.J. Walters, Lester Oliveros.

PIRATES (3-4)
1. Alex Presley, LF
2. Nate McLouth, RF
3. Yamaico Navarro, SS
4. Rod Barajas, C
5. Casey McGehee, 3B
6. Jake Fox, 1B
7. Gorkys Hernandez, CF
8. Chase d’Arnaud, 2B
9. Erik Bedard, P

Listed pitchers: Bedard, Jo-Jo Reyes, Joel Hanrahan, Jason Grilli, Juan Cruz.

McKechnie Field. First pitch: 12:05 p.m. (Central). No TV. Twins Radio Network

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