Gallardo cleared to play catch this weekend

MINNEAPOLIS - Yovani Gallardo's shoulder has improved to the point where he's ready to pick up a ball Saturday for the first time since going on the disabled list.

Gallardo will play catch at Camden Yards, a significant development following his cortisone injection and the implementation of a cuff exercise program.

"Right now, we're shooting for Saturday," he said. "That's the plan. Obviously, things can change but that's what we're shooting for.

"I'm just excited to go out there and play catch and hopefully put this thing behind me and get back out there on the mound."

Gallardo is 1-1 with a 7.00 ERA and 1.667 WHIP in four starts over 18 innings. The Orioles placed him on the disabled list following an April 22 start in Kansas City that lasted only two innings.

A game of catch is the natural progression before he finally gets back on the mound for a bullpen session and eventually a rehab assignment in the minors.

"I haven't picked up a ball in over two weeks," he said. "I think that's the main thing is going out there and playing catch for however many times I have to do it before throwing in the bullpen or whatever it might be.

"The main thing right now I just getting out there and throwing the ball around a bit and then we'll go from there."

The cortisone and cuff exercises have led to major changes in his condition, the strength gradually returning to his right arm.

"It's something I've never gone through before, but I felt the difference just by doing the shoulder exercises that I've been doing for the past two weeks," he said.

"I've noticed a big difference, so I'm excited to see how it feels once I'm able to go out there and play catch, and like I said, hopefully maintain that strength for the rest of the year and for the rest of my career by doing the exercises that I'm doing now. That way, I won't have to deal with his issue anymore."

The rain has stopped again at Target Field after the latest downpour and the grounds crew is sweeping water off the tarp.

For the Twins
Joe Mauer 1B
Eduardo Nunez SS
Brian Dozier 2B
Trevor Plouffe 3B
Miguel Sano RF
Byung Ho Park DH
Oswaldo Arcia LF
Kurt Suzuki C
Dannty Santana CF

Jose Berrios RHP