Joe Nathan

The Twins split a pair of spring training games in Florida Sunday. The split squad Twins beat the Yankees in Tampa, Florida 9-2 behind Brian Dinkleman's 3-run homerun. Denard Span added 3 hits and 2 runs scored and Luke Hughes was 2-4 with 2 runs scored and 1 RBI. Scott Baker threw 4 innings with 2 hits and 1 earned run allowed to get the win.

The St. Louis Cardinals routed the Twins 10-4 Monday afternoon in Fort Myers, Florida. Scott Baker started for the Twins and threw 3 innings with 2 hits and 1 earned run allowed. Joe Nathan threw 1 scoreless inning for Minnesota. Luke Hughes had 2 hits and both Jason Kubel and Trevor Plouffe had a hit and 1 RBI for the Twins. Minnesota is 6-3 this spring and will host Pittsburgh at 12:05 today, pregame on WJON at 12:00.

The Twins lost 5-0 to the Boston Red Sox Tuesday afternoon in Fort Myers, Florida. Scott Baker started the game and allowed 1 earned run in 1 2/3 innings to take the loss. Joe Nathan made his spring debut and threw 1 shutout inning with 1 walk allowed. He missed all of last season after having Tommy John surgery. Danny Valencia went 2-2 for the Twins. Michael Cuddyer had a wart removed from his left foot and will miss 1-2 weeks and Justin Morneau has been seeing a concussion specialist to determine when he can play in spring training games.

The Twins lost 7-6 in Fort Myers, Florida to the Boston Red Sox Monday afternoon. Former Twin David Ortiz hit a 3-run homerun off Kevin Slowey to help the Red Sox to the win. Jason Kubel went 3-3 with a homerun and 2 runs scored and Luke Hughes was 2-3 with a homerun and 3 RBIs for the Twins. Nick Blackburn started the game and threw 2 shutout innings with 2 hits allowed.

Twins catcher Joe Mauer at Twinfest this weekend said his top goal in 2011 is to stay healthy. Mauer wants to stay fresh throughout the summer. He had minor surgery in December and says he's ready for spring training to begin. Twins' closer Joe Nathan is coming back from Tommy John surgery and threw a bullpen session Saturday.