Nolasco to get third opinion on ankle

CINCINNATI -- Twins right-hander Ricky Nolasco is set to get another opinion on his right ankle after suffering another setback Friday, when he still felt discomfort and had to end his bullpen session early.

Nolasco, on the 15-day disabled list since June 4 with a right ankle impingement, is scheduled to see Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, N.C. Anderson is a noted ankle and foot specialist who serves as the co-chair of the National Football League's foot and ankle committee.

It'll be a third opinion for Nolasco, who already met with Twins team doctors and a foot specialist in Minnesota. Nolasco initially received a cortisone shot in his ankle and was fitted for orthotics, but neither option worked.

The Twins initially believed Nolasco would be able to avoid surgery, but Nolasco will meet with Dr. Anderson and see what he recommends. There's no timetable for his return.

Nolasco, 32, is 5-1 with a 5.51 ERA in seven starts this season. He went 5-0 with a 4.25 ERA in six starts in May, but last started for Minnesota on May 1. He also missed time early in the season with a right shoulder strain.

• The Twins are continuing to monitor outfielder Aaron Hicks, who remains on his rehab assignment with Triple-A Rochester. Hicks, out with a right forearm strain since June 14, became eligible to be activated from the 15-day disabled list Monday and began his rehab assignment on Friday. Hicks is 1-for-11 in three games, but did test his arm Sunday, when he threw out a runner at home plate.

"After not playing for a while, I think we all agree he needs to be down there a little bit longer," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "But how long, we haven't determined that yet. We'll just see how he does in the short term."