Scott Baker Will Miss Next Start With Right Flexor Muscle Strain

Minnesota Twins pitcher Scott Baker, who only pitched five innings on Tuesday before getting pulled, was diagnosed with a right flexor muscle strain Thursday and will miss his scheduled start against the White Sox on Sunday.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire doesn't believe the injury is serious but he doesn't want to take a chance. He's sending right-hander Anthony Swarzak to the mound instead of Baker for precautionary reasons. Swarzak tossed two scoreless innings in relief in Wednesday's 12-5 loss to the Rays.

Baker's injury was originally referred to as a mild elbow strain, but it actually ended up being the flexor muscle connecting his forearm to his elbow. Twins trainer Rick McWane agreed with Gardenhire in saying that he doesn't believe the injury is anything major.

"It didn't look too bad last night," McWane said. "He came in for treatment this morning and it doesn't look that bad. It's just a little sorer than it would be. It's not too alarming."

For more on Baker's injury and the Minnesota Twins, visit Twinkie Town.