The Twins have placed struggling right-handed pitcher Mike Pelfrey on the disabled list.
According to the Pioneer Press, Pelfrey reported a groin injury Friday during a meeting with Twins manager Ron Gardenhire and pitching coach Rick Anderson.
Gardenhire said Pelfrey’s arm is healthy, but the groin issue may have caused Pelfrey’s velocity to diminish in Thursday’s loss.
Updated Twinsights. See what Gardy told Pelfrey when the decision was made to go on DL: #mntwins http://t.co/oAtFLae1o6
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) May 2, 2014
Pelfrey is just five starts into his new two-year $11 million contract. He has struggled in those five starts. Pelfrey is 0-3 with a 7.99 earned run average.
Once Pelfrey’s groin heals, he will likely have a rehab assignment, which could last up to 30 days.
To replace Pelfrey in the rotation, fellow right-handed pitcher Sam Deduno will move from the bullpen to make his first start of the season on Tuesday in Cleveland.
In seven appearances Deduno has posted a 2.89 ERA in 18 2/3 innings.
Pelfrey’s move to the DL leaves the Twins with an open roster spot, they will call up a position player in time for Saturday afternoon’s game.
FOX Sports Net reports that it will not be outfielder Oswaldo Arcia, who is on a rehab assignment. Veteran utility infielder Eduardo Nunez has been sidelined with a strained left oblique.
Additionally outfielder Chris Parmelee isn’t on the 40-man roster and Kenny Wilson, who the Twins acquired earlier has not played above Double-A.
That leaves the Twins with only two other position players on the 40-man roster, they are shortstop Danny Santana and catcher Eric Fryer.
