Mick Abel (elbow) is scheduled to face hitters on Thursday in a two-inning live batting practice session.

Abel has finally progressed to facing hitters again after hitting the injured list with elbow inflammation back on April 20. The 24-year-old underwent an MRI at the time which didn’t reveal any structural damage. He’ll require a handful of rehab starts before he’s ready to rejoin Minnesota’s rotation, but he’s getting closer. There’s a chance he’s back by late June or early July based on his present trajectory.