Byron Buxton was demoted back to Triple-A Rochester on Monday as the Twins get set to play six straight home games against the Indians and Tigers.
Buxton has struggled to make contact this season, racking up 24 strikeouts in 45 at-bats. Twins Daily’s Nick Nelson notes that it’s the highest strikeout rate in the majors.
Buxton, Kepler optioned to ROC. Meyer recalled, Danny Santana returns from rehab stint. #MNTwins
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) April 25, 2016
Outfielder Max Kepler was also optioned to Rochester while the Twins called up right-hander Alex Meyer and activated Danny Santana from the disabled list.
Meyer, a former prized starting pitching prospect who is still starting at Triple-A Rochester, will come out of the bullpen when he joins the Twins. In three appearances at Triple-A this season (including two starts), Meyer has a pristine 1.09 ERA with 19 strikeouts and only 4 walks in 17 1/3 innings.
Hardball Talk notes that Meyer’s early indications this season could mean he’s solved his biggest issue from the past, which is walking too many hitters.
