Scott Baker (elbow) threw a successful bullpen session Saturday and will throw another one Tuesday. The right-hander has had a few pain-free sessions now and should be close to rejoining the Twins rotation. He might be an option to take the spot of Brian Duensing, who left Saturday's outing with a strained oblique. Baker has been sidelined since early August with a flexor muscle strain in his elbow.

Scott Baker (elbow) threw a 50-pitch bullpen session Friday and will throw another one Saturday. Baker has been throwing for over a week now and appears to be progressing along pretty well. The Twins are hoping he'll be able to contribute over the final few weeks of the season.

Twins placed RHP Scott Baker on the 15-day disabled list with a flexor muscle strain in his right elbow. This is his second trip to the disabled list this season with the very same injury. Baker still has a very respectable 3.21 ERA and 1.19 WHIP on the year, but has pitched through discomfort in his last two starts. Not coincidentally, he has given up nine runs (eight earned) on 14 hits during that time.

Scott Baker (elbow) could be headed back to the disabled list.

Scott Baker indicated following Wednesday's start against the Angels that his surgically-repaired elbow isn't 100 percent. "You either can pitch or you can't, and as of right now, I can pitch," said Baker. "I think if you asked anybody, nobody's perfect in here. Tonight, was just strictly poor performance." Baker allowed four runs (three earned) over a season-low four innings in a no-decision against the Angels on Wednesday night. He still has a 3.01 ERA across 20 starts this season, but we might see some inconsistency moving forward.

Scott Baker could make it just three innings on Wednesday, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and one walk in the Twins' 11-4 victory in Anaheim. Baker needed 78 pitches to record his nine outs. The outing was by far his shortest of the season. Now the owner of a 3.01 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 115/32 K/BB ratio in 125 2/3 innings of work, he'll get the Red Sox at home his next time out.

Scott Baker held the Rangers in check Thursday, limiting them to two runs on eight hits while striking out four over seven innings of work. Another stellar effort from Baker, who has allowed just the two runs over his last four starts (though those first two came before he went on the disabled list). Unfortunately for him, Matt Harrison was just a little bit better. Baker has had a seemingly overlooked but fantastic season, as he holds a 2.86 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 113/31 K/BB ratio over 122 2/3 innings. He'll get the Angels the next time out.

Scott Baker will be allowed to throw 100 pitches in his next start. Baker (elbow) came off the disabled list and threw five shutout innings on Saturday before being removed after 82 pitches. Now free from restrictions, Baker will be a recommended fantasy play going forward.

In his return from the disabled list, Scott Baker (elbow) tossed five shutout innings in a 4-1 win over the Tigers on Saturday. Baker was excellent, allowing just three hits -- all singles -- while fanning five and walking one. He was pulled after throwing 82 pitches, so it appears Twins manager Ron Gardenhire decided to play it safe. Baker is now 8-5 with a 2.88 ERA and 109/31 K/BB ratio over 115 2/3 innings this season. He should be owned in all fantasy leagues.

Twins activated RHP Scott Baker from the 15-day disabled list. As expected, Baker will rejoin the Twins' starting rotation Saturday night against the Tigers. He hasn't pitched since July 5 due to a strained right elbow. The 29-year-old right-hander had a 3.01 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 104/30 K/BB ratio over 110 2/3 innings prior to the injury.