By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS — Left-hander Brian Fuentes was getting an MRI on his lower back on Wednesday evening as the reliever continues to battle some stiffness in his back.

Fuentes threw a bullpen session on Tuesday at about 70 percent effort, manager Ron Gardenhire said, and when the lefty arrived in the clubhouse on Wednesday he was feeling pretty stiff.

“They want to get his back checked out,” Gardenhire said. “We’ll see where we’re at, see what’s going on.””

Fuentes missed 16 days during a stint on the disabled list in April with a lower-back issue.
Gardenhire said he’s been told that Fuentes’ back problem earlier this
season was due to a bulging disk.

Fuentes has faced just one batter since the Twins acquired him on Aug. 27 in a waiver trade with the Angels. He recorded the last out of a game against Seattle, retiring Russell Branyan for a save on Aug. 28.