Slama to have MRI exam; Twins set to face Cardinals

FORT MYERS, FLA. -- Twins reliever Anthony Slama will have an MRI exam on his right elbow today. He hasn't pitched in a game since Feb. 28 and said the elbow didn't feel right that day.

Slama, 27, told me he's hoping the MRI comes back clean so he can resume pitching in 2-3 days. He went 2-2 with a 2.20 ERA in 54 appearances for Class AAA Rochester last year, spanning 65.1 innings. He also posted a 7.71 ERA in five appearances for the Twins.

Scott Baker will be making his first appearance in six days today, as he battles for the final rotation spot with Kevin Slowey. Baker gave up one run on two hits and a walk in 1.2 innings against Boston last Tuesday.

The Twins have a five-game winning streak despite fielding a skeleton lineup. ... Albert Pujols is not on the trip.

Update: A handful of observations from this morning's workout (posted these on Twitter @JoeCStrib):

> Casilla moving around OK in infield drills. Ankles don't seem to be bothering him.

> Watched Morneau on pop-up drill make running catches, looking into the sun.

> Morneau standing in on Liriano's bullpen session, keeping his timing vs. LHP

CARDINALS (5-3)

1. Skip Schumaker, 2B
2. Ryan Theriot, SS
3. Colby Rasmus, CF
4. Lance Berkman, DH
5. Allen Craig, RF
6. Mark Hamilton, 1B
7. Yadier Molina, C
8. David Freese, 3B
9. Jon Jay, LF

Listed pitchers: Jake Westbrook, Trever Miller, Adam Ottavino, Blake King, Adam Reifer, Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly, John Gas, Maikel Cleto.

TWINS (6-2)

Listed pitchers: Scott Baker, Carlos Gutierrez, Eric Hacker, Jose Mijares, Joe Nathan, Glen Perkins, Phil Dumatrait, Kyle Waldrop.