Delmon Young is out indefinitely after injury setback

FORT MYERS, FLA. — Twins outfielder Delmon Young suffered a setback in his recovery from turf toe on his left foot and remains out indefinitely.

The Twins had hoped to get Young back on the field Saturday against Tampa Bay, but he still is unable to run because of the injury.

"It's kind of acted up, and he's not going to play for a few more days at the least," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said.

With Michael Cuddyer expected to be out up to two weeks after having a wart removed from his left foot, Jason Kubel has played in five spring training games as Gardenhire tries to keep some regulars into the lineups.

Mauer update

It's still too early to tell when Joe Mauer will play in a spring training game. He's been undergoing injections of synthetic lubricant in his left knee -- following offseason surgery -- and no one is in a rush to make him squat behind the plate.

But Gardenhire said Friday that Mauer could catch in the bullpen as soon as Sunday, It's not clear how many times Mauer would have to catch bullpen sessions before he catches in spring games -- or if he can appear in a game as the designated hitter.

The last thing the Twins are worried about is Mauer getting his bat ready. They want to make sure he gets through the season as healthy as possible.

Liriano erratic

Lefthander Francisco Liriano made his first appearance of spring training on Friday when he started in a B-game against the Rays.

Liriano said he threw all of his pitches -- but he left a lot of them up in the zone. In two innings, he gave up one run on three hits with two walks and a hit batter. Drew Butera almost nailed Liriano while throwing to second in the second inning. Liriano avoided getting hit, and Butera threw the baserunner out.

Liriano was held back early in camp when he came down with a sore shoulder.

Etc.

• Righthander Scott Baker is scheduled to pitch Monday against St. Louis. He said he's thrown three bullpens in an 11-day span and his elbow has responded well. He expects to be on a regular schedule after Monday.

• Joe Nathan threw a 1-2-3 fifth inning and said he felt like he got into a good groove in his second spring outing.

On deck