Twins activate Michael Pineda from IL, will start Friday vs. Tigers

The Minnesota Twins right-hander has recovered from right knee tendinitis and will start against the Detroit Tigers on Friday night.

The Minnesota Twins got a piece of good news as right-hander Michael Pineda has recovered from tendinitis in his right knee and was activated from the injured list in time to start Friday night’s game against the Detroit Tigers.

Pineda’s season has been the up-and-down adventure that the Twins expected after signing him to a two-year deal in November of 2017. Although he missed the entire 2018 campaign recovering from Tommy John surgery, Pineda was able to crack the Twins’ rotation this season and has had his moments while going 5-4 with a 5.34 ERA.

Despite his high numbers, Pineda was starting to find his groove, delivering four straight quality starts before landing on the injured list following his May 27 start against the Milwaukee Brewers. Adding the veteran to the back end of the rotation should be an internal addition for the Twins as they look to keep up their momentum from a strong start to the season.

In a corresponding move, the Twins optioned left-hander Devin Smeltzer to Triple-A Rochester. Smeltzer replaced Pineda in the rotation for two starts and made a great impression in his first stint with Minnesota, going 0-1 with a 3.65 ERA. That performance could earn Smelter another call-up down the road if the Twins get bitten by the injury bug once again.

For now, the Twins rotation is at full strength and will look to continue to build their lead over the rest of the American League Central when Pineda takes the mound against the Tigers.