Arcia outpaces Willingham as duo progresses

ST. PETERSBURG -- Outfielders Oswaldo Arcia and Josh Willingham are continuing to make progress with their wrist injuries, as the Twins remain hopeful that each will be able to take batting practice on the field this weekend.

Arcia, on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 5 with a right wrist strain, is ahead of Willingham, as Arcia has already started to take batting practice in the cages. Willingham, who is on the 15-day DL with a small fracture in his left wrist dating back to April 7, has yet to take batting practice, as he still feels some tenderness in his wrist.

"Hammer is getting ready to start taking some swings, and Arcia already has started taking some swings," Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony said. "I think the target is that when we get back they'll be hitting on the field."

Arcia took Wednesday off from swinging the bat but was expected to resume swinging in the cages on Thursday. He could begin a rehab assignment early next week if he does not experience any setbacks this weekend.