It won’t be Jose Berrios starting on the mound for the Twins against Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros on Wednesday night. Instead, it’ll be Houston native Kohl Stewart.
Stewart and right-handed reliever Fernando Romero were recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday, with the Twins making room on the roster by optioning right-hander Tyler Duffey and outfielder Jake Cave to Rochester.
Stewart will make the start in Berrios’ place to allow Berrios proper rest. Berrios started in Saturday’s doubleheader against Baltimore, meaning he would’ve been pitching on short rest had he taken the mound Wednesday. He’s now lined up start to Friday night when the Twins welcome the Orioles to Target Field.
Stewart getting the nod is a risk considering he’s allowed 15 runs (eight earned) in three starts at Triple-A this season. The 24-year-old former first-round pick has allowed 16 hits, six walks and hit three batters in just 12 innings.
Romero, 23, hasn’t been much better. This is his second call up this season, having allowed two runs on four hits in his only two innings of work with the Twins in his lone appearance. He posted an 8:38 ERA in spring training and has allowed three homers and four runs in four appearances at Triple-A Rochester.
Duffey appeared in four games for the Twins, allowing five runs (one earned) on five hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. He gave up a long home run to Jose Altuve in Tuesday’s 10-4 loss to the Astros.
Wednesday’s series finale against Houston starts at 7:10 p.m.
