MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -Scott Baker passed his last spring test for Minnesota, pitching six sharp innings in a minor league game Sunday.
Baker was bothered by a sore back and then a bad bout with the flu, a setback to his throwing schedule. The Twins wanted to make sure he was strong enough before formally including him in the rotation, so they left him in Florida to pitch in the minor league game. Baker gave up five hits and one run while striking out three and throwing 71 pitches.
“He said he was feeling really, really good,” manager Ron Gardenhire said after the rest of the team worked out at the Metrodome. “Kind of expected him to do all right.”
Baker will make his first start on Friday, when Minnesota hosts Kansas City. Baker took a perfect game into the ninth inning against the Royals last August.
The Twins open the season on Monday against the Los Angeles Angels.
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