MINNEAPOLIS — There are still many steps to complete, but several talented, young Minnesota Twins pitchers are getting closer to returning.Mick Abel took a big step in that direction Thursday afternoon when he threw a two-inning live batting practice at Target Field. In the clearest sign of progress yet, Abel, who went on the injured list April 20 with right elbow inflammation, touched 97 mph on the radar gun during a 37-pitch effort.Though his return date to a big-league mound is still unclear, Abel, who hasn’t pitched since April 14, is nearer than farther. If he feels good on Friday, Abel will either take part in another live BP next week or perhaps pitch in a minor-league game.“Free and easy,” Abel said. “Just being able to have hitters in the box again, it feels really, really good, and really nice. The body feels great, too, so I can’t complain.”Abel is feeling upbeat just over a month after experiencing right tricep soreness during a bullpen session on May 2, which resulted in him receiving a cortisone shot and being shut down. The cortisone eventually helped reduce the inflammation, and he began rebuilding arm strength.After throwing a light bullpen session on Tuesday, Abel faced James Outman, Austin Martin and Alex Jackson on Thursday.“It was roughest early on just because I did have a setback,” Abel said. “I never really had done that before, where I had a chance to come back in season. In ‘21, when I was in Low Single A, I knew I was going to be gone the rest of the year. … Now, I have the reward of competition. That was kind of a kick in the butt early, but afterward, I was able to take it day by day, take care of myself, show up here, and make sure that I’m here for my teammates even though I can’t really play or do anything.”