Twins shortstop Pedro Florimon returned to camp Monday.
Florimon underwent an appendectomy on Feb. 17 and is expected to miss about two weeks of baseball activities.
The Pioneer Press reports Florimon rode a stationary bike for about 20 minutes on Monday and has been approved to lift 15 to 20 pounds at a time in the weight room.
According to the newspaper, Florimon is hopeful to be back taking swings in the cage by next week.
“I have to take it slow,” Florimon told the Pioneer Press.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire talked to Florimon outside of his locker on Monday.
“It was really nice to see him,” Gardenhire told the Pioneer Press. “He’s excited to be back in here. He’s pretty bored. When you love baseball and spring training starts, the last thing you want to do is be sitting at the house trying to heal. He had a big smile on his face.”
Florimon is optimistic he will be able to return in time to be ready for opening day.
“I’m going to be ready opening day,” Florimon said.
Florimon was taken to the Lee County Hospital around 2 a.m. last Monday after complaining of stomach pain. His appendix did not rupture, but there was enough inflammation that the appendectomy was scheduled for that afternoon.
The procedure was done laparoscopically to minimize his recovery time. He was released from the hospital on Tuesday.
He is beginning light workouts, but is easing into physical activity and will ice three times daily.
The Twins open up their 2014 campaign on March 31 against the White Sox, in Chicago.
