"Designated hitter Jim Thome will face righthanders Kevin Slowey and Jeff Manship on Wednesday during a simulated game in Fort Myers, Fla. Slowey has been recovering from an abdominal strain while Manship is on the comeback trail from shoulder problems.

Thome is working his way back from a sore back and quadriceps. It's unclear if the at-bats will be enough for Thome to be activated from the disabled list.

"Is that what's best for him?'' Twins manager Ron Gardenhire asked. "I would love to have Jim Thome come off the bench in a big situation, but I want to make sure he's ready.''

Gardenhire said the Twins haven't reached a consensus on what Thome's next step will be. Some want him to face tougher competition. Others believe Slowey and Manship are tougher competition.

The Twins still are days away from having to make a decision about activating Thome, but Gardenhire didn't sound as if going with 11 pitchers is an option. That would enable him to keep two backup catchers.

"Three catchers is an awful lot to carry on your roster at one time,'' Gardenhire said. "I've always enjoyed it, but it's a little tough.''"