The Twins are getting righthander Kevin Slowey stretched out to give them an option in case they need to shake up the pitching staff.
Slowey raised the stakes in that scenario, throwing 5 2/3 innings for Class A Fort Myers in a start against Charlotte on Monday.
Slowey retired 15 of the first 16 batters he faced during a rehabilitation start as he works he way back from shoulder bursitis. He gave up two hits with no walks and struck out three during his outing.
With Slowey getting stretched out, speculation has increased that Twins will take struggling lefthander Francisco Liriano out of the rotation. Manager Ron Gardenhire downplayed the possibility last weekend.
Slowey was 13-6 last season with a 4.45 ERA in 30 games (28 starts). He had no decisions and a 2.45 ERA in three games this year before the shoulder injury sidelined him.
LA VELLE E. NEAL III
