Baker returns to Minnesota, but as a reliever

MINNEAPOLIS -- Two hours before Monday's game at Target Field, Rangers pitcher Scott Baker was on the field catching up with a few members of the Twins. Baker was getting re-acquainted with a lot of people on Monday in his first visit to Target Field since pitching for the Twins in 2005-11.

"Any place where you come up with a bunch of great guys, it means a lot and holds a special place in your heart," Baker said. "A lot of great memories … we had a great group of guys around for awhile."

Baker was a starter for the Twins and also started for the Rangers on Friday night against the Twins. Pitching for the first time in over two weeks, Baker allowed six runs in six innings in a 7-2 loss to the Tigers. He has since been moved back to the bullpen so that Joe Saunders can return to the rotation and pitch against the Twins on Wednesday.

"I'm doing what I'm told," Baker said. "Everybody knows it's a tough spot. I hadn't pitched in 16 to 17 days, but that's not an excuse to not give everything you've got. That's what I did. I wasn't as sharp as I normally am. Throwing on a consistent basis benefits me as much as everybody else."