MINNEAPOLIS – Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew won't be traveling to Minnesota to throw the first pitch before the Twins home opener Friday.
Killebrew was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in December. He says Wednesday that a trip from Arizona to Minnesota would disrupt his treatment schedule, so he'll stay "with a resolve to defeat this disease."
He says he's making progress, and he's hopeful for a full recovery.
Twins legend Tony Oliva will throw the first pitch instead. It will be caught by Casey Killebrew, Harmon's grandson.
The Twins' home opener is Friday against the Oakland Athletics.