Jimmy

Gobble

He has pitched well in Class AAA since his demotion (3-1 in four starts). Gobble’s velocity has also improved. Wait until he pitches a solid game or two at the major-league level before making him a part of your fantasy rotation.

If Gobble has no problem with a strained abdominal muscle during his outing Saturday, he’ll make his season debut April 9.

Gobble did engage in long toss and expects to be ready to throw from a mound within a day or two.

Kevin Appier, Darrell May and Brian Anderson will pitch over the weekend. Gobble’s next start will be Wednesday vs. Texas, an 11-day layoff since his last outing.

Gobble’s East squad beat the West squad 4-2. Gobble is 6-3 with a 2.83 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 48/21 K/BB in 57 1/3 innings for Wichita this season.

Gobble will rejoin the Royals and probably the rotation no later than Sept. 1.

''Not true,’' Baird said. ''Jimmy Gobble is putting a lot of pressure on himself, physical pressure, when he takes the mound. We want him to... deal more with his emotions on the mound than any physical adjustments. I don’t expect him to be down there very long.’'

Gobble showed enough while filling in for Mark Redman (forearm) that he might be a candidate for a permanent spot soon. It’s uncertain what chance there is of Redman returning to make his next start, and Jeremy Affeldt is also a candidate to be replaced.

The runs scored on Lew Ford’s homer. Gobble gave up four more hits and three walks, but the Twins couldn’t push any additional runs across and their winning streak ended at 11 games. Gobble, who was making his first start since replacing Bobby Keppel in the rotation, doesn’t have any value in AL-only leagues.

He struck out five and walked five, both season highs.