Gomez on record pace for steals

With 10 stolen bases in the Twins' first 26 games, center fielder Carlos Gomez entered Tuesday on pace to steal 62 this year, which would match the team's single-season record, set by Chuck Knoblauch in 1997.

First base coach Jerry White, the team's primary baserunning instructor, likes most of what he's seen from Gomez but had one suggestion.

"He doesn't seem to be that aggressive trying to steal third," White said. "I don't see that aggressiveness at second as opposed to when he's on first."

Gomez returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing two games because of a sore left calf, going 0-for-4 in the 3-1 victory over the White Sox.

"The umpire was asking me about him in Texas," White said. "And I said, 'Yeah, he's beating out bunts that no other human can beat. And sure enough, he put one down. They had a chance to get him, and all of a sudden that extra gear -- vooom! -- and there's just no chance."

White said the real key for Gomez is getting on base. Gomez is batting .245 with only two walks in 100 plate appearances; his on-base percentage was .260.

"What's really going to be interesting is when he starts learning the strike zone and making the guy throw it over because he's got options," White said. "It just opens up holes. It's amazing what he can do if he swings at strikes."

Big test for Baker Twins righthander Scott Baker will head to the disabled list if he feels any lingering effects from his latest injury in a bullpen session today, manager Ron Gardenhire said.

Baker, who left his start Saturday at Texas in the fifth inning because of a mild groin strain, is scheduled to pitch Saturday against Detroit.

Baker, who was limited to four Grapefruit League innings during spring training because of a strained back muscle and a bout with the flu, is 2-0 with a 4.50 ERA in five starts.

"We're going to be very careful with this thing," Gardenhire said. "He's going to have to have no issues for us to put him back out there. The plan is to have him throw Saturday, but that could change [today] with his bullpen session."

Everett update Shortstop Adam Everett is eligible to come off the DL today, but Gardenhire said the team is shooting for Friday.

Everett, out because of a strained right shoulder, took batting practice and fielded grounders Tuesday. He made several throws to first base, none especially hard.

The Twins are off Thursday, so Everett will test the shoulder in a pregame workout today. If all goes well, the team could make a roster move after the game.

Gardenhire said the team likely would send out a position player when Everett is activated and continue with an eight-man bullpen until they add another starting pitcher.

Liriano update Francisco Liriano will start for Class AAA Rochester today against Pawtucket.

In five starts this season, counting three for the Twins, one for Class A Fort Myers and one for Rochester, Liriano is 0-4 with a 9.15 ERA. He has walked 18 and struck out 18 while allowing 26 hits in 19 2/3 innings.