Correia among pitchers with solid early results

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Kevin Correia threw two scoreless innings in Thursday's intrasquad game at Hammond Stadium, and the Twins right-hander said he was happy with the results.

Correia didn't allow a hit, striking out one and walking one, while throwing 23 pitches (13 for strikes).

"It was good," Correia said. "I've thrown to some live hitters, but it isn't the same as being in a game situation and trying to make some pitches. It was a good process in the step of getting ready."

Correia, who was the club's most consistent starter last season with a 4.18 ERA in 31 starts, added that his arm feels good and he isn't bothered by a sore neck that caused him to miss a bullpen session earlier in the week.

"At this point, you're just looking for command and the feel of being back out there and building arm strength," Correia said. "So I'm right where I expected and right where I want to be right now."

Fellow right-handers Vance Worley and Kyle Gibson, who are both competing for a spot in the rotation, also fared well on Thursday.

Worley allowed a run that was aided by an infield single to first baseman Kennys Vargas, and he struck out one over two innings, while Gibson threw two scoreless frames. Gibson allowed two hits and struck out two.