FORT MYERS — Twins pitcher Scott Baker is progressing slowly from a back injury, and Manager Ron Gardenhire did not rule out the possibility Wednesday of the righthander opening the season on the disabled list.

Pitching coach Rick Anderson “says if this goes on for another week or so, we’re going to have to start making other plans,” Gardenhire said. “That’s what we’ve got to find out, whether, it’s going to push on.”

Baker felt a twinge near his latissimus dorsi muscle Saturday, when he pitched two innings against the Pirates. His next start would have come Thursday, but Nick Blackburn is scheduled to start in his place.

Baker said he felt good playing catch Wednesday and hopes to have a bullpen session Friday. He said he thinks he will be ready to start the season with the team.

“I think as much as I’d like to be out there [now], a couple extra days is such a small sacrifice to make,” Baker said.

Earlier, Gardenhire had sounded hopeful that Baker would be able to pitch in a minor-league game this weekend.

“I just talked to the trainer, and he’s not going to quite make it this weekend, let’s put it that way,” Gardenhire said.

Twins lineup

1. Carlos Gomez, CF

2. Joe Mauer, C

3. Michael Cuddyer, RF

4. Justin Morneau, 1B

5. Delmon Young, LF

6. Jason Kubel, DH

7. Brendan Harris, 2B

8. Brian Buscher, 3B

9. Adam Everett, SS

Starting pitcher: LH Francisco Liriano.

Red Sox lineup

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF

2. Kevin Youkilis, 1B

3. David Ortiz, DH

4. Manny Ramirez, LF

5. Mike Lowell, 3B

6. J.D. Drew, SS

7. Jason Varitek, C

8. Jed Lowrie, SS

9. Alex Cora, 2B

Starting pitcher: RH Clay Buchholz.

Hammond Stadium. First pitch 12:03 p.m. (Central)

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