And it's about to change again.

The Twins called up right-hander Julio DePaula from Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday to fill in the void left when Jesse Crain was placed on the 15-day disabled list. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he will slot DePaula in the long-relief role and would move Guerrier into the late-innings role often occupied by Crain.

Guerrier has not allowed a run in seven of his last nine appearances. The Twins already had started to ease Guerrier into more pressure-filled situations because of his success. The right-hander is looking at his new role as a big opportunity.

"I'm excited to pitch later in games," Guerrier said. "You always like to be in the game when the game is on the line and to show them you can handle it. On the other hand, it's tough to lose a guy like Jesse who has eaten up so many innings and pitched so well the last couple years."

Injuries certainly have started to take a toll on the club, particularly the bullpen. This is the first DL stint for any of the Twins relievers, yet little aches and pains have sidelined some of the pitchers for days at a time. The injuries that have made Gardenhire consider what once seemed unthinkable -- a 13-man pitching staff.

"We could do it here, honestly, to protect some of the guys if they are getting ouchie," Gardenhire said. "If one of the other relievers were getting ouchie, I'd try to go to 13, I guarantee it. The other guys would just have to play, but the problem we have is that other position players are ouchie, too, and are not able to go every day."

Gardenhire reiterated his idea that starter Ramon Ortiz might have to throw out of the bullpen this week if the club needs an arm. Ortiz, who lasted just one inning in Tuesday's game, still is expected to make his scheduled start on Sunday.

Waiting for results: Crain returned to the Twin Cities on Wednesday morning to meet with team physician Dr. Dan Buss and undergo an MRI on his right shoulder. The results of the MRI were expected to be announced after Wednesday's game.

The latest issue with Crain's shoulder caught Gardenhire by surprise. Crain had problems with his shoulder in early April, but he had not informed the manager of any lingering effects. While Crain had missed a week in April because of the problems, an MRI was not done at that time.

Lights, camera, action: Considering the Twins bullpen was taxed in Tuesday's lopsided loss, it was possible that DePaula could have made his Major League debut Wednesday night.

Glen Perkins will not be available until at least Saturday after throwing six innings over the past four days. The rest of the relief corps is available for the game but Gardenhire said he was hesitant to use any pitcher for more than one inning.

DePaula threw to just one batter on Tuesday night for the Rochester, and said he was ready to go if needed. DePaula was 2-3 with a 3.15 ERA in 15 appearances (20 innings) for the Red Wings.

Ready when healthy: While there had been a growing sentiment that Joe Mauer would not be ready to come off the DL on Sunday, Gardenhire had stuck to the notion that the catcher was on schedule.

But Gardenhire said Wednesday that it is "doubtful" Mauer will be ready at that time.

The bump on Mauer's leg that had developed from the swelling in his quad has decreased. Mauer has resumed some baseball activities, including hitting off a tee in the batting cage on Tuesday. It appears that Mauer will not return until the team returns home from the road trip late next week.

One thing that Gardenhire doesn't think Mauer will need is a Minor League rehab assignment.

"I don't think his swing is the type of swing that will need a rehab assignment," Gardenhire said.

Rough night: Tuesday night's game against the Indians is one that many of the Twins would like to forget -- a few players more than others.

Food poisoning was going around the clubhouse, affecting Joe Nathan, Torii Hunter and bullpen coach Rick Stelmaszek. Everyone reported feeling much better on Wednesday.

Twins Tidbits: Chris Heintz got his first start behind the plate since being called up from the Minors on May 8. ... The four home runs the Twins hit in their last two games was the first time that had happened since April 25-26, 1987. ... Michael Cuddyer's eight outfield assists tie him for the Major League lead with Mark Teahen of the Royals.

Down on the farm: Kevin Slowey continued to make his case for the vacant spot in the Twins' starting rotation. Slowey allowed just one run on seven hits over 7 2/3 innings in Rochester's 3-1 victory over Richmond on Tuesday.

Coming up: The Twins and Indians will close out their three-game set on Thursday in an 11:05 a.m. CT finale. Twins ace Johan Santana will try to get back on track after losing two of his last four starts. Right-hander Fausto Carmona is the Indians' scheduled starter.