The Twins made a couple of moves in their bullpen, and with LHP Jose Mijares off to a good start in the minor leagues, more could be coming. LHP Brian Duensing was sent to Class AAA when knuckleballer R.A. Dickey was shifted to the pen upon Scott Baker's return, and RHP Juan Morillo was claimed off waivers from Colorado, replacing RHP Philip Humber.
PLAYER NEWS: --RHP Jesse Crain was placed on the disabled list Monday after experiencing some irritation in his pitching shoulder following Friday night's 30-pitch outing against the Angels, his third appearance in four days. The Twins don't believe the condition is serious, but are mindful of the surgery Crain had on his shoulder two years ago and decided to give him some time off to let the soreness subside.
--LHP Jose Mijares, demoted to Class AAA after showing up out of shape for spring training, has been recalled from Rochester to replace injured Jesse Crain in the Twins' bullpen. Mijares had allowed no runs and only one walk in his first 6 1/3 innings in the minors, and had been clocked at 93 mph, a significant increase from last month.
--LHP Glen Perkins was struck by a Bobby Abreu line drive on Sunday and had a bruise on his lower thigh after the game. But because of the Twins' unusual two days off this week, Perkins shouldn't miss a start while his leg heals. He's not scheduled to pitch again until Sunday at Cleveland.
MEDICAL WATCH:
C Joe Mauer (inflamed sacroiliac joint in his lower back) went on the 15-day disabled list April 2. He began running, a key step in his recovery, in mid-April, and was scheduled to begin a rehab assignment on April 24. The Twins hope he can return by May 1.
RHP Boof Bonser (torn right labrum and rotator cuff surgery in February 2009) went on the 15-day disabled list April 2. He is out for the season.
RHP Pat Neshek (right elbow surgery) went on the 60-day disabled list Feb. 21. He will remain in Florida all summer and targets a return by next spring.
ROTATION:
LHP Francisco Liriano
RHP Nick Blackburn
RHP Kevin Slowey
LHP Glen Perkins
RHP Scott Baker
BULLPEN:
RHP Joe Nathan (closer)
RHP Jesse Crain
RHP Matt Guerrier
LHP Craig Breslow
RHP Luis Ayala
RHP R.A. Dickey
RHP Juan Morillo
CATCHERS:
Mike Redmond
Jose Morales
INFIELDERS:
1B Justin Morneau
2B Alexi Casilla
SS Nick Punto
3B Joe Crede
INF Brian Buscher
INF Brendan Harris
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Delmon Young
CF Denard Span
RF Michael Cuddyer
DH Jason Kubel
OF Carlos Gomez
