Worth noting

• Catcher Drew Butera and first baseman Chris Colabello, who played with Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic, rejoined the Twins on Thursday.

"They didn't hurt themselves at all," said Ryan. "I'm interested to see what they do here."

Colabello batted .333 with two homers and seven RBIs in five games, while Butera played in four Classic games and hit .188.

• Ryan said Thursday's decision to send left-hander Caleb Thielbar to Triple-A Rochester was based "more on command and control than anything else."

"It's up to him, how close he is," Ryan added. "He dominated at Double-A last year. Now he's ready for Triple-A."

• Ryan admitted right-hander Anthony Slama, who was reassigned to Minor League camp on Thursday, "struggled" this spring, posting an 11.57 ERA in three relief appearances.

"It was a battle," Ryan said. "He's got to get some innings. He's got to start throwing the ball over the plate."

• The Twins were happy to see injured Scott Diamond (elbow) throw to hitters before Thursday's game.

"That's a good sign," Ryan said.

Last season, Diamond started a team-best 27 games.

• Beresford, who played for Australia in the World Baseball Classic and has hit just one homer in 2,113 regular-season at-bats as a pro, homered against the Orioles Wednesday night.

"I think that was the second home run in his life," said Ryan.

"He's not the fastest guy and he doesn't have the strongest arm, but he finishes plays," said Ryan.