News
Twins plan to increase pitching staff
Slowey suffers setback, not ready to return yet
By Kelly Thesier / MLB.com
07/12/09 7:49 PM ET
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins have been the only team in the Majors recently with an 11-man pitching staff, but that is expected to change for the start of the second half. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Sunday that the team will add a pitcher to its roster by Friday when it returns from the All-Star break for a three-game series in Texas. But the question remains as to whom that pitcher will be. The hope had been to activate Kevin Slowey from the disabled list at that time and move Anthony Swarzak into the bullpen. Slowey, however, has been told to back off on his throwing program after suffering a setback with his right wrist. The pitcher played long toss on Saturday and his wrist didn't feel good, so the club won't have him throw again until Wednesday. Swarzak will remain in the rotation for now, making the first start after the All-Star break in Slowey's spot. The Twins will wait to see how Slowey does on Wednesday before deciding on any further treatment for the injury. "If it doesn't go good, then we back off a little bit more," Gardenhire said of Slowey. "They'll probably let us know which route they're going to go after that." With Slowey's health status uncertain, Gardenhire said the club is now looking at its farm system for another bullpen option. The Twins front office has also been exploring the trade market for relief help as well. The Twins have gone with an 11-man pitching staff since June 16. It's come during a time when many teams have 13 pitchers on their roster. "We're .500, it's not that remarkable," Gardenhire said of his team sticking with 11 pitchers for so long. "That tells you a little bit more about the depth that we have in the Minor Leagues and what help we have." As for the possible options at Triple-A Rochester if the Twins can't acquire another arm, Gardenhire mentioned recently that right-handers Rob Delaney and Juan Morillo were throwing the best of any pitchers there. Jesse Crain is also a possibility, although it appears that the club would like to see him get more opportunities to pitch at Rochester before that happens.Kelly Thesier is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
