Miguel Sano is eligible to come off the 10-day disabled list Wednesday, but that won't happen. His recovery from a stress reaction in his left tibia is progressing slower than anticipated.

Sano is still dealing with some soreness in the area and has not been able to resume baseball activities. Sano is likely staring at several more days in the trainer's room.

For now, all Sano can do is ride a bike and use the underwater treadmill for cardiovascular benefits.

"It's unfortunate that it is moving rather slowly," Twins manager Paul Molitor said.

Sano injured the bone Aug. 18 when he fouled a pitch off it. He tried playing the next game but could not run. A stress reaction can be a precursor to a stress fracture, so it can't be taken lightly. But history shows that the bone can heal in a couple weeks. A bone stimulator has been used in the past on stress reactions such as the one Sano has.

"They are considering some other things that might help expedite the healing of the bone," Molitor said.

It's a setback for the Twins as they attempt to reach the postseason for the first time since 2010. The club has made up for his absence, and then some, by scoring 161 runs in August, the second most in baseball. And they are averaging 6.4 runs per game since Sano left the lineup.

But they will need Sano, who has a team-high 28 home runs and 77 RBI, to continue their unexpected run.

"You can't rush or force those things without risking something significant happening if you try to get back there too soon," Molitor said. "I think he is improving. I just think it's a slow process right now."

Nathan's day coming

Former Twins closer Joe Nathan will sign a one-day contract with the club Friday — then retire.

The Twins will honor Nathan with a video tribute, and he will throw out the first pitch before their game against the Royals.

"Pretty cool," said Glen Perkins. He and Joe Mauer are the only active Twins who played with Nathan.

Nathan, 42, saved 260 games for the Twins during seven seasons, and 377 games during an 16-year career.

"It will be great to see him," Perkins said. "Haven't seen him in a while."

Jay to AFL

Lefthander Tyler Jay has missed most of the season because of arm and shoulder problems, but recently returned to the mound for Class A Fort Myers and is now scheduled to pitch in the Arizona Fall League during the offseason.

The AFL is an offseason league for some of the game's best prospects, and the experience will help Jay — the sixth overall pick in 2015 — make up some for what has been a lost season. Rosters were announced Tuesday.

The Twins were concerned Jay might need season-ending thoracic outlet surgery, but gave rehab another try. After three tuneup games for the Twins' rookie team in the Gulf Coast League, Jay has now joined the Miracle, throwing two scoreless innings Friday.

Righthander Tom Hackimer, infielder Chris Paul and outfielder Lamonte Wade have been named to the team with Jay. The Twins have to send two more pitchers and an infielder, but haven't yet decided on those players.

Etc.

• Catcher Jason Castro remains on the concussion DL after taking a couple foul balls off his mask last Wednesday in Chicago. He's still experiencing symptoms.

• Robbie Grossman said his broken left thumb is doing much better and has been working to regain the range of motion.

• Dietrich Enns threw a 45-pitch bullpen session Tuesday as he works his way back from a sore shoulder. He's waiting to hear from the Twins about what the next move will be.