Twins Make Manship 8th Triple-A Call-Up This Year

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have brought up yet another minor leaguer, recalling right-hander Jeff Manship from Triple-A Rochester for their overworked bullpen.

Manship joined the team in time for Sunday's game against the Detroit Tigers. The Twins designed reserve outfielder Erik Komatsu for release or assignment to make room on the roster.

Manship is the eighth player summoned from Rochester already this season, seven of whom weren't with the Twins on opening day. Manship was 4-1 with a 3.08 ERA, 15 walks and 25 strikeouts in 38 innings for the Red Wings. He made 12 appearances, including four starts.

"We need pitching. Our bullpen's depleted, and we have to protect ourselves," manager Ron Gardenhire said before the game.

Manship will be available as a long reliever, but Gardenhire said he "won't say never" when asked whether the 27-year-old will be considered for the rotation. The group currently comprises veteran Carl Pavano, Rochester call-ups Scott Diamond, P.J. Walters and Cole De Vries plus struggling left-hander Francisco Liriano.

Twins starters had an unsightly 6.60 ERA entering Sunday's game, the worst in the majors and more than a full run higher than the next-closest team. Liriano was removed from the rotation earlier this month but will start again Wednesday, essentially because the Twins have no other options. Pavano has been bothered by a sore right shoulder. Nick Blackburn is on a rehabilitation assignment for a full week before he will return from a strained left quadriceps muscle.

Komatsu was claimed off waivers earlier this month. He played in 15 games but had only 32 at-bats, collecting seven hits and driving in one run. He's the second reserve outfielder the Twins added via the waiver wire and gave up on after a few weeks. Clete Thomas was the first.

Damon Mastroianni, another little-used backup outfielder, survived the cut despite even less production in his limited action. Gardenhire said the Twins want to keep Mastroianni for his versatility and pinch-running ability.

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