Ricky Nolasco says he can feel a noticeable improvement with his elbow in bullpen sessions this spring compared to last year's injury-plagued season, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. "It's been good these last couple weeks, just kind of toning things u

Nolasco says he can feel a noticeable improvement with his elbow in bullpen sessions this spring compared to last year's injury-plagued season, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. "It's been good these last couple weeks, just kind of toning things up a little bit, being able to let things go a tad bit more (with) a little more extension," Nolasco said.

Analysis:

Nolasco struggled at the start of last season, posting a 5.90 ERA and .330 BAA before he landed on the DL in July with a sore right elbow. He was better when he returned in August, with a 4.39 ERA and 43:10 K:BB in 55.1 innings over the final two months. He's a bounce-back candidate, as along with improved health, he's coming off a career-high .351 BABIP and was a frequent victim of Minnesota's poor outfield defense.