Twins say Guerrier progressing as planned

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Right-hander Matt Guerrier threw his first live bullpen session on Tuesday without any issues, and he remains on track to make his Grapefruit League debut on Tuesday against the Rays.

Guerrier, who had surgery in mid-August to repair the flexor mass in his right elbow, is scheduled to throw another live bullpen session Friday.

"He's throwing all his pitches now, so he's getting close," Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony said. "He's probably a bullpen or two away from getting in a game next week. I think he should be on schedule. Every report has been positive for him. No issues. No soreness."

Antony added that Guerrier, who is a non-roster invitee as a Minor League signing, should still have ample time to get ready for the regular season. The Twins open the season against the White Sox in Chicago on March 31.

"If he starts in on the 11th, he'll have 17 or 18 days," Antony said. "It'll probably be a lot like [Anthony] Swarzak last year, who came in with a rib injury but still had plenty of time to get ready. So he should have plenty of opportunity to get in games."