Nolasco tentatively slated to throw off mound

MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins right-hander Ricky Nolasco, who is on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow inflammation, began his throwing program on Wednesday. He is tentatively scheduled to throw off the mound on Sunday, manager Paul Molitor said on Thursday.

Nolasco, on the DL retroactive to April 9, played long toss on Wednesday and Thursday without any issues.

"His long toss went really well if you can put a lot of stock into that," Molitor said. "I didn't think he'd have any problems with that. He's just continuing to extend. Saturday, he'll back off from throwing, and Sunday, if things go well the next couple days, he'll throw off the mound."

Nolasco was solid in Spring Training, but he struggled in his lone start of the season against the Tigers on April 8. The right-hander lasted just three innings, giving up six runs on six hits and four walks. He told the training staff after his outing that he felt discomfort in his elbow, but after undergoing an MRI exam in Minnesota, it was discovered that he had no structural damage, but just inflammation in the elbow.