Brad

Thomas

Thomas will undergo an MRI today. “He had a little tenderness in spring training, too,” Red Wings manager Phil Roof said. “We don’t want to take any chances.”

Thomas has been shipped to the Twins’ hub in Fort Myers, Fla., for a week off, then rehabilitation.

Thomas, one of the Twins’ top pitching prospects, is currently working out in Florida.

With Thomas guaranteed a job, it appears that Joe Roa, Carlos Pulido, Seth Greisinger and Pete Munro are fighting for one spot.

Grant Balfour and Juan Rincon are also out of options, but both should be guaranteed spots on the pitching staff. Thomas is less likely to make the club, but there wouldn’t be much chance of him getting through waivers. A left-hander with his kind of stuff isn’t going to be passed over by 29 teams.

Thomas is out of options, so he’ll probably join Boston after spending close to the maximum 30 days on a rehab assignment.

Thomas has pitched 10 scoreless innings in two starts for the Rookie GCL Twins.

The 33-year-old southpaw was placed on the disabled list in May with left elbow inflammation after posting a 9.00 ERA over 12 relief appearances and missed the rest of the season. He’s now a free agent and will provide organizational depth on a minor-league deal wherever he winds up.

It the tear doesn’t heal on it’s own, Thomas would need season-ending surgery. Thomas’ absence weakens Minnesota’s pitching depth. The left-hander figured to see time in the majors before season’s end.

Thomas only made the start because Dontrelle Willis was under the weather. He wasn’t very efficient under the circumstances, walking three and needing 68 pitches just to get nine outs.