"Expect to see Jim Thome and Jason Repko on Monday when the Twins begin a homestand against the Seattle Mariners.

Thome has been playing in extended spring training games in Fort Myers, Fla., since arriving there over a week ago to mend a strained left oblique muscle.

Manager Ron Gardenhire gets daily reports from Joel Lepel, the Twins' minor league field coordinator, about players rehabilitating there, and Thome has raised his game in recent days.

"Thome is ready to go,'' Gardenhire said. "There is fire in his eyes, and he's pumped up.''

As Gardenhire spoke, he had Class AAA Rochester's game on his computer. Repko, with the team on a rehab assignment (right quadriceps), threw out a runner to impress the manager.

"Great play,'' Gardenhire said. "Perfect throw. Out. He's probably ready to join us. Probably.''

The Twins will have to make room for both players by Monday. It would make sense for Ben Revere to head down to Rochester for Repko since Revere can then play every day."