SARASOTA, FLA. — Twins center fielder Carlos Gomez took batting practice but was scratched because of residual soreness in his left leg. The team stressed that the move is precautionary, that Gomez could have played if this were the regular season.

Nick Blackburn starts against the Reds, while Boof Bonser pitches in a minor-league game back in Fort Myers. Adam Everett is scheduled to play in that game, as well.

Update: Bonser allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits in five innings, pitching against one of Boston’s Class A affiliates. He threw 81 pitches. Everett went 1-for-4 in that game.

Twins

1. Matt Tolbert, SS

2. Nick Punto, 3B

3. Delmon Young, LF

4. Justin Morneau, 1B

5. Jason Kubel, RF

6. Mike Redmond, C

7. Brendan Harris, 2B

8. Brandon Roberts, CF

9. Nick Blackburn, P

(Jesse Crain and Joe Nathan are also scheduled to pitch for the Twins.)

Reds

1. Corey Patterson, CF

2. Jeff Keppinger, SS

3. Ken Griffey Jr., RF

4. Brandon Phillips, 3B

5. Adam Dunn, LF

6. Edwin Encarnacion, 3B

7. Joey Votto, 1B

8. David Ross, C

9. Bronson Arroyo, P

Ed Smith Stadium. First pitch: 12:05 (Central)

FORT MYERS — Scott Baker took the step he needed to stay off the disabled list today, and Carlos Gomez will play Thursday against the Reds, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said following his team’s 4-2 victory over Tampa Bay.

Baker threw 49 pitches in a three-inning start for Class AAA Rochester. Gardenhire said Baker could add 15 to that pitch count on Sunday, in another minor-league start, and still start the fifth game of the season against Kansas City.

“The ball was coming out of his hand good, and he felt good, that’s the most important thing,” Gardenhire said.

Gomez had cramping in his left hamstring, nothing more, and practically begged Gardenhire to make Thursday’s trip to Sarasota, Fla. Gardenhire agreed but told Gomez he’d be furious is something more serious happens to his leg.

FORT MYERS — Twins center fielder Carlos Gomez left today’s game against Tampa Bay in the fifth inning with what appeared to be a left leg injury.

Gomez ran deep into the left-center gap to catch a fly ball from John Weber. Afterward, he stayed close to where he caught the ball and was grabbing his left leg.

Manager Ron Gardenhire and trainer Rick McWane went to check on Gomez and removed him from the game. Nick Punto took Gomez’s place in center field.

UPDATE: Gomez was diagnosed with a left hamstring cramp. He’s day-to-day. Details after the game.

UPDATE: Gomez seems to be OK. “I want to play tomorrow, Friday and Saturday,” he told a Twins staffer in the clubhouse.

FORT MYERS — Scott Baker threw 49 pitches today for Class AAA Rochester, going three innings in a camp game against Class AA New Britain.

Baker had hoped to throw 70 pitches to remain on schedule for his April 4 start against Kansas City, so he might have to open the season on the disabled list.

Baker allowed four runs (two earned) on five hits, with one walk and two strikeouts. It was his first game action since March 8, when he left his start after two innings with a strained right lat muscle.

He went on to lose 12 pounds because of the flu but has since gained at least five pounds of that back.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire won’t be available to comment until after the game. We’ll keep you posted.

FORT MYERS — Scott Baker will pitch for Class AAA Rochester today in a game against Class AA New Britain. He’s hoping to run his pitch count up to 70, but the staff is skeptical that he’ll be up to it after recently losing 12 pounds with the flu.

In the main event today, the Twins will trot out something very close to an A-lineup against Tampa Bay pitcher James Shields.

Update: Adam Everett was scratched, presumably because he’s coming back from the flu. He did take batting practice, though, and appears on the road to recovery.

Rays

1. Akinori Iwamura, 2B

2. Jason Bartlett, SS

3. Eric Hinske, RF

4. Jonny Gomes, DH

5. Chris Richard, 1B

6. Joel Guzman, 3B

7. John Weber, LF

8. Shawn Riggans, C

9. Elliot Johnson, CF

Pitcher: RH James Shields

Twins

1. Carlos Gomez, CF

2. Joe Mauer, C

3. Michael Cuddyer, RF

4. Justin Morneau, 1B

5. Delmon Young, LF

6. Craig Monroe, DH

7. Mike Lamb, 3B

8. Brendan Harris, 2B

9. Matt Tolbert, SS

Starting pitcher: RH Livan Hernandez.

Hammond Stadium. Scheduled first pitch: 12:05 (Central).