Minnesota Twins Place Ervin Santana and Kyle Gibson on DL

Apr 19, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Ervin Santana (54) walks back to the dugout in the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Ervin Santana (54) walks back to the dugout in the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Twins have placed Ervin Santana and Kyle Gibson on the 15-Day disabled list.

Earlier today the news broke that Jose Berrios was being called up but the corresponding move was not announced. It was guessed that it would be a starter heading to the disabled list, specifically Ervin Santana, Kyle Gibson or Tyler Duffey.


It turns out that two starters will be placed on the disabled list. Ervin Santana is dealing with back spasms and Kyle Gibson has a shoulder strain. The pair will join Trevor Plouffe and Glen Perkins on the shelf.

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This means that the Twins had another spot, in addition to Jose Berrios’ call up, to fill on the 25 man roster. Jorge Polanco will be recalled after a short absence. Normally players are not allowed to recalled so soon after being optioned but there is an exception if the player is needed to fill a hole left by an injury.

Jorge Polanco is on the 40 man roster so a spot did not need to be created for him there, unlike Berrios.

Initially after the Jose Berrios announcement, the mood among fans was celebratory hoping that Berrios could be the boost the Twins need. But in light of 2/5s of the rotation heading to the DL, another who’s struggling (Tommy Milone) and another who is not 100% healthy (Tyler Duffey) perhaps the mood should be more one of concern.

The Twins need a healthy Santana and Gibson in order to re-enter the competition this season. Hughes and Nolasco are healthy but how long can Nolasco keep his impressive run up? Will Berrios be a game changer right out of the gate? The rotation has been a relative strength this season but now it is rife with question marks from top to bottom.

The moves have left the cupboard somewhat bare in Rochester’s rotation so Alex Wimmers was promoted to AAA to help fill in the gaps.

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Ricky Nolasco gets the start tonight for the Minnesota Twins. It is believed that Jose Berrios will make his debut Wednesday. There is an off day Thursday. Friday is Hughes and for now Tyler Duffey is pencilled in for Saturday.

The team will continue to carry 8 relievers and roll with a 3 man bench for now. That shouldn’t be the case for too much longer though. The club hasn’t officially announced anything yet but are expected to soon.