Minnesota Twins Transactions (July 26th-27th)

Six players in the organization were involved in moves on Friday (7/26) and Saturday (7/27). Rochester swapped out one 31-year old right-handed starter for another, a 17-year old made his professional debut in the DSL, a top 2012 draft pick finally took the mound this season and a spare part fourth outfielder started his rehab assignment. Then there was the formality of moving the face of the franchise from the paternity list to the restricted list so he could continue to learn the ropes of being a dad.

Mastroianni started his rehab assignment but will he have a roster spot when he’s ready to rejoin the Twins? (Photo Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

July 26th

Assigned to the DSL Twins: SS Ariel Montesino (17) – kicked off his professional career with an 0-4, 2 BB, 3 SO effort in a double header. He got his first hit yesterday and is 1-11 through four games.

Activated from 7-day DL by the GCL Twins: RHP Luke Bard (22) – took the mound in the 4th inning in the GCL on Friday. It was his first appearance of the 2013 season as he continues to deal with shoulder issues that date back to his junior season at Georgia Tech. He faced four batters in the game, recorded two outs and gave up a hit and a walk. The 42nd player selected the 2012 draft, Bard could play a significant role in the team’s future as a mid-rotation arm or a top-flight reliever. However, he’s only pitched 7.2 innings in the Twins system since he was drafted last summer and he needs to prove he’s healthy – and can stay that way – before he can be counted on.

July 27th

Assigned to the GCL Twins on a rehab assignment (from Minnesota): OF Darin Mastroianni (27) – was 2-9 in eight games with the Twins to start the season but ankle surgery short circuited his season. In his first game in three and a half months, he went 1-3 with a run and two driven in the GCL today. Already relegated to a bench/4th OF role his value to the roster was already limited and the way the season has unfolded his future with the organization is murky at best.

Assigned to Rochester (from New Britain): RHP Virgil Vasquez (31) – returns to the Red Wings where he opened the season and made 15 starts before he was bumped down to Double-A in the middle of June. He made seven starts for New Britain and went at least 8.0 innings in three of his last four before the promotion. Vasquez picked up the win for Rochester yesterday with a 6.1 inning effort that included 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB and 4 SO. On the season he’s thrown 112.2 innings between the levels with a 4.23 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 75-24 SO-to-BB.

Placed on the 7-day DL by Rochester: RHP Nick Blackburn (31) – moved from the Rock Cats to the Red Wings on the 23rd meaning he was active with Rochester for a grand total of four days before hitting the DL. His one Triple-A start this season (5.0 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 2 HR, 0 BB, 0 SO) was not pretty.

Placed on the restricted list by Minnesota: C Joe Mauer (30) – elected to take some extra time with his wife and newborn daughters (which was the right thing to do in my humble opinion). Since the paternity list designation only allows for a player to be away from the team for three days, this move was necessary. He is expected to be back on the field tomorrow as the Twins open up a homestand with the Kansas City Royals.