The Twins have discussed a plan to limit Kyle Gibson to between 130 and 140 innings during the 2013 season as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. The 25-year-old right-hander says that he'll do whatever the Twins ask of him, but that his goal is to get to the big leagues as soon as possible. Twins GM Terry Ryan indicated that they may utilize a plan similar to how the Braves used Kris Medlen last season, where he began the year in the bullpen, and then transitioned to the rotation after the all-star break.

The Twins are considering Kyle Gibson for their Opening Day rotation. Gibson is almost fully recovered from Tommy John surgery and finished with 75 innings total between the regular season and Arizona Fall League. With only Scott Diamond returning to next year's rotation, there's little upside for the Twins to stash him if he's still healthy in spring training. Earlier this offseason, GM Terry Ryan said he expects Gibson to be limited to 140 innings in 2013.

Twins purchased the contract of RHP Kyle Gibson from Triple-A Rochester. Gibson is almost fully recovered from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery but will probably be on an innings limit in 2013. He's the Twins' top pitching prospect.

The Twins are expected to monitor Kyle Gibson's innings next season. Gibson, who underwent Tommy John surgery in November, made his Arizona Fall debut Thursday. If the Twins decide to put him on an innings-limit, it could factor into his timeline for being called up to the majors. "I think we'll probably ease it in as we go into April and May, then hopefully have him available for how we want to use him in June, July and August," GM Terry Ryan said. "We've got to monitor him closely."

Twins pitching prospect Kyle Gibson tossed five scoreless innings while striking out eight in his Arizona Fall League debut Thursday. He allowed four hits and didn't walk anyone. The team's top pitching prospect, Gibson posted a 4.13 ERA but 33/6 K/BB ratio over 28 1/3 innings this year after returning from Tommy John surgery. He could crack the Twins' rotation at some point next season.

Twins prospect right-hander Kyle Gibson (elbow) allowed one run over three innings Tuesday in his first start with High-A Fort Myers. Gibson, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, allowed three hits while striking out one and walking one. Nice to see after he posted a 2.45 ERA and 16/4 K/BB ratio over 14 2/3 innings for the team's rookie-level Gulf Coast League club. The 23-year-old right-hander was the organization's top pitching prospect prior to the injury and appears to be back on track.

Twins pitching prospect Kyle Gibson (elbow) will move up to High-A Fort Myers Sunday to continue his rehab from Tommy John surgery. It's been so far, so good for the team's best pitching prospect, as Gibson posted a 2.45 ERA and 16/4 K/BB ratio over 14 2/3 innings for the team's rookie-level Gulf Coast League club. Twins minor league director Jim Rantz even said that Gibson is "throwing a little harder than he did before he was hurt." Gibson won't make it up to the big club this season but could position himself for a rotation spot early in 2013 if he finishes strong.

Kyle Gibson (elbow) is on track to begin throwing from a mound on June 5. Gibson, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, says that he "feel(s) good and everything is going on schedule." The Twins would like their top pitching prospect to appear in minor league games prior the end of the season so that he can enter spring training ready to go.

Kyle Gibson (Tommy John surgery) is currently throwing from 60 feet and will expand to 75 feet next week. Gibson is hoping to throw off a mound on June 7. The top prospect will possibly be read to appear in minor league games at the tail end of the 2012 season, but he won't be contributing for the Twins prior to 2013.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan expects pitching prospect Kyle Gibson (Tommy John surgery) to pitch in games at some point late in the 2012 season. Gibson underwent Tommy John surgery on September 7, so he'd be looking at less than a year of recovery time if he ends up appearing in any minor league games. It's not a huge deal either way, as he obviously can't be counted on to contribute anything meaningful until 2013. The former first-round pick posted a 4.81 ERA over 18 Triple-A starts last season, though he was likely pitching hurt when he faded in his final few outings.