Twins say Blackburn's shoulder should be all right

(AP Photo/Jim Mone)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) An MRI test on Minnesota right-hander Nick Blackburn's shoulder has revealed no damage, and the Twins expect him to make his next start.

Blackburn felt a cramp in the back of the shoulder Saturday against the Texas Rangers, and he left in the sixth inning. General manager Terry Ryan said Sunday that Blackburn was "a little bit stiff" but otherwise fine.

Ryan said the Twins will closely monitor Blackburn this week and be cautious about his condition. But he said "all indications are that he's going to be OK" to start Thursday in New York against the Yankees.

"My shoulder just wouldn't let my hand get away from my body," Blackburn said. "At no point was it painful. It was kind of just a bound-up feeling."

Right-hander Jason Marquis will join the rotation Wednesday after a couple of tuneup starts in the minors. If Blackburn is unable to pitch as scheduled, the Twins could use right-hander Anthony Swarzak.

Updated April 15, 2012