Minneapolis ? The Minnesota Twins are skipping Brad Radke’s next start, but the veteran right-hander said Thursday his hurting right shoulder would not prevent him from pitching again this year.

Radke, 12-9 with a 4.46 earned-run average and a major reason why the Twins have surged back into playoff contention, has a torn labrum and probably will retire after the season. But he said he planned to return soon.

“There’s no question about it,” said Radke, who pitched Friday. “I’m not going to go out like that.”

He will try to play catch early next week, and the Twins will re-evaluate him then.

“Hopefully it will feel a little better,” Radke said.