Minnesota #Twins send LHP Tim Stauffer to DL, recall Ryan Pressly #MNTwins @FSNTylerMason http://t.co/Bj7bNTMKr3 via @fsnorth
— FanDuel Sports Network North (@FanDuelSN_NOR) May 1, 2015
The Twins have placed right-handed reliever Tim Stauffer on the 15-day disabled list with a right intercostal strain. To fill his spot on the roster, they have recalled righty Ryan Pressly from Triple-A Rochester.
It is just the latest setback for Stauffer, who has struggled since spring training. In eight appearances, he has an 8.38 ERA, while striking out just two and walking six in 9 2/3 innings.
Paul Molitor said Tim Stauffer had been battling the intercostal issue about a week. Had been treating it, but DL stint proved necessary.
— Brandon Warne (@formerly_bw) May 1, 2015
FOX Sports North notes it’s the same injury that Twins reliever Brian Duensing has been dealing with.
According to Twins blogger Rhett Bollinger, Stauffer has seen his velocity dip compared to recent seasons, and the injury may be one reason why.
“Stauffer’s fastball has averaged 88.6 mph after averaging 91.7 mph in 2013 and 90.6 mph in ’14, according to fangraphs.com.”
Stauffer joined the Twins in the offseason agreeing to a $2.2 million deal and was serving as the team’s long reliever. That role will now go to recently demoted Tommy Milone, who is headed to the bullpen to make room for Ricky Nolasco’s return to the rotation.
Pressly allowed five earned runs in 10 innings for the Red Wings. He’s struck out 15 batters to six walks. Pressly has done alright during previous call-ups for the Twins, he has a career 3.60 ERA with 63 strikeouts and 35 walks in 105 innings over the last two seasons.
Should the bullpen problems persist for the Twins another option the team could consider is Lester Oliveros. He has a 19:3 strikeout-to-walk ratio for Rochester, but ESPN 1500’s Derek Wetmore notes Oliveros isn’t on the 40-man roster, which means he’d have to take someone else’s spot.
