"After what happened the last time, you've got to be precautious with it," said Baker, who left the mound on Saturday night against the Detroit Tigers after only 43 pitches and three innings when he felt an aggravation of the injury that also forced him out early from his previous start.
Baker said after Sunday's game that he wasn't worried, and that he thought he would be able to avoid the disabled list. He said there was no lingering stiffness or soreness.
"It's not near as bad as it was last time," Baker said.
The Twins designated right-hander Kevin Slowey, a member of their Opening Day rotation who has been on a minor league rehab assignment recovering from a strained right biceps muscle, as their probable starter for Thursday's game against the Chicago White Sox.
That means Baker's next turn would be Saturday at home against the Boston Red Sox. If he's not cleared to start then, the team will have to call a pitcher up from Triple-A.
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