Meyer rehabs shoulder, aims for August return

ANAHEIM -- Top prospect Alex Meyer, who is on the seven-day Minor League disabled list with a right shoulder strain, is aiming to return to the mound in early August, according to Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony.

Meyer, who was acquired in the trade that sent Denard Span to the Nationals, has been out since early June. He's currently rehabbing his shoulder at the club's Spring Training complex in Fort Myers, Fla., but he is expected to pitch in the Gulf Coast League in early August.

"He's been out so long, it's kind of like Spring Training all over again," Antony said. "So he has to throw some bullpens and so I'll guess he'll pitch in a game or two in the GCL before he goes back up."

Meyer, ranked as the club's No. 3 prospect according to MLB.com, has a 3.69 ERA with 73 strikeouts and 27 walks in 61 innings with Double-A New Britain this year.