Florimon passes tests, ready for game action

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Shortstop Pedro Florimon, who had his appendix removed on Feb. 17, is scheduled to return to action and play in a Minor League game on Friday.

Florimon has been taking batting practice on the field in recent days, and has been taking ground balls for the last week. He faced live pitching on Thursday, and is slated to see his first game action on Friday.

"He took live BP, and I think he's planning on playing three innings in a Minor League game tomorrow," Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony said. "After that, we're going to start stretching him out a little bit, and he'll get into some big league games."

There's still a chance that Florimon won't be ready for the start of the season, as he has about two weeks to get ready for Opening Day on March 31 against the White Sox. Eduardo Escobar, Jason Bartlett and Danny Santana remain candidates to start at shortstop if Florimon isn't ready.