Righty Harden taking it slow, set to throw Tuesday

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Right-hander Rich Harden, who is coming back from shoulder surgery, took two days off to recover after throwing a bullpen session on Saturday. He is scheduled to throw again on Tuesday.

Harden, who had the operation last January, didn't suffer any setbacks but is just taking it slow, according to Twins manager Ron Gardenhire.

"Right now he throws a bullpen and needs a few days," Gardenhire said. "He's feeling great, and we want to keep it that way. It's going to be a real slow process with him. Actually, my pitching coach is going to sit down with him either today or tomorrow and kind of map it out -- kind of map out a little program for him and see where we get to by the middle of March and where he is at.''

The Twins still haven't officially decided whether they'll try to use the former Athletic as a starter or a reliever; they'll make that decision later this spring once he gets stretched out. Harden isn't on the 40-man roster, because he was signed to a Minor League deal in December.