Grant

Balfour

Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire believed that Balfour (right shoulder/bicep injury) was just a week away from returning to the majors after some strong throwing sessions. GM Terry Ryan confirmed however, that Balfour will need more recovery time. Think end of May here.

He received a cortisone shot last week in his ailing right shoulder and obviously feels much better.

The Twins won’t need a fifth starter their first time through the rotation, and it’s possible that Balfour will be ready to throw five or six innings by mid-April. The Twins could also consider Sean Douglass, Brad Thomas and Joe Roa as candidates to replace Rick Helling.

This problem appears to be lingering. Keep him on your DL in AL-only Leagues if you have room, but don’t expect much the first half of the season.

Balfour is on the DL with a strained rotator cuff. Balfour expects to be away two weeks, although it could take longer until he’s ready.

He is scheduled to throw a simulated game in Fort Myers today.

Balfour, who has been impressive this season (3.33 ERA 18/18 in stranding inherited runners) intends to pitch through the injury, and could be activated within the next week.

Balfour has upside if he makes the Twins rotation. He’ll have to earn the spot this spring.

Gardenhire considers Balfour ''a viable option’’ should Mays struggle against the Rangers. The manager explained why Mays remains in the rotation and Balfour in the bullpen: ''I don’t want to wreck (Balfour) by throwing him out there and letting him get crushed by somebody. Joe should be able to handle it. That’s what he’s here for.’' Somebody should explain to Gardenhire that he’s 1.5 games out of first place, and has a choice between a guy with a 6.16 ERA and 1.50 WHIP, or a guy who’s done nothing but impress between Triple-A and the majors.

This doesn’t look serious, and is probably a residual effect of Balfour’s early season shoulder injury.