PORT CHARLOTTE, FLA. — Is Pat Neshek back to his old self?
It might be too soon to say, but Neshek tossed another scoreless inning Saturday as the Twins defeated the Rays 6-1.
Neshek, 30, has yet to be scored upon in three appearances, spanning three innings this spring. Once the Twins' top setup man, the Park Center High School product had reconstructive elbow surgery in 2008, missed all of 2009 and spent most of last season at Class AAA Rochester.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Neshek hit 89 miles per hour with his fastball in his previous outing against the Pirates, but there were no radar readings posted at Charlotte Sports Park on Saturday.
"I thought the ball was moving again," Gardenhire said. "I like what I'm seeing, and you can see his confidence growing, too. When he gets out there, I don't think there's much doubt in his mind. We'll see how he keeps going. Good stuff."
