Jupiter, Fla. — Experiencing his first Spring Training since joining the Twins in 2022, Chris Paddack is looking forward to what he hopes will be a full, healthy season. After Tommy John surgery derailed his ‘22 campaign, and most of ‘23 was spent rehabbing, Paddack is a changed man — one who is ready to fulfill his role in the rotation.

Tuesday marked the latest step in achieving that goal, as Paddack built up to 51 pitches (33 strikes) over 2 2/3 innings in the Twins’ 5-4 loss to the Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Of course, the box score won’t necessarily show the start as “progress,” but those aren’t the numbers that matter at this point in the spring.

More important than the three hits (one homer) and three runs that Paddack allowed was the increased speed on his slider and his ability to be present while on the mound — especially in two-strike counts.

“Overall it felt great,” Paddack said. “Still not satisfied with some 0-2 counts, 1-2 counts. Putting away guys is simplified; getting guys with two strikes, I got to be better at it. I was aware of the count, so that’s a step forward for me — not being a zombie out there and being so locked in that I forget what’s going on.

“So I was present, but just didn’t have that wipeout stuff today.”