Before I get into the return of some healing pitchers, an update on top pitching prospect Kyle Gibson.
Gibson will miss his start on Wednesday because of soreness near that pesky flexor muscle area near his elbow. Because the flexor is near the ulnar collateral ligament - Tommy John territory - it can be a reason to be alarmed. But the Twins are convinced that Gibson will only need to miss one start.
And Gibson, in a text message on Tuesday, wrote, ``I will be missing my start on wed and should be back on schedule after that."
Gibson has failed to pitch longer than 5.0 innings in five straight starts and has given up 16 earned runs over his last 14 innings. He still projects as a top prospect because of his very good sinker and slider and willingness to change speeds.
The Twins hoped Gibson would throw 160-165 innings this year after he threw 152 last season. That might be tough. He'll have about a month left in the minor league season (Rochester is tied for the worst record in the International League and won't make the playoffs). He's thrown 95.1 innings so far and might get only six more starts.
A WIMMERS SIGHTING
Alex Wimmers, the Twins' first-round pick in 2010, is back on the mound after battling control issues, issues so bad he had to confer with local sports psychotherapist Rick Aberman.
Wimmers began the season with Class A Fort Myers, but in his season debut he walked six and threw three wild pitches. It was learned at the time that he had struggled with command during spring training. He was pulled from the rotation and spent several weeks working through his problems at the Twins' facility in Fort Myers, Fla.
