The Minnesota Twins are making some roster moves before their series against the Detroit Tigers. Former All-Star pitcher Aaron Sanchez is being called up from Triple-A St. Paul. The Washington Nationals granted the 30-year-old right-hander free agency on May 31. With the Nationals, Sanchez had a 3-3 record with just 16 strikeouts in 31 ⅓ innings pitched. During that same time frame, he surrendered 29 earned runs and had an ERA of 8.33. Signed by the Twins to a minor-league deal, Sanchez is 3-1 with a 4.26 ERA, 11 walks, 26 strikeouts and a .259 opponent batting average. In his eighth major league season, Sanchez has pitched with Toronto, Houston, San Francisco and Washington.
To make room for Sanchez on the 40-man roster, the Twins have designated catcher José Godoy for assignment or his outright release. After all, Godoy played in 42 games this season with the Saints in Triple-A. Altogether, during his time in St. Paul, Godoy had a .197 batting average with just three home runs and 14 RBI.
After welcoming a baby girl, Gio Urshela returns to the line-up for the home series against the Tigers. He comes off paternity with a five-game hit streak intact. After Ursehla’s return, outfielder Gilberto Celestino will be on the same list.
Relief pitcher Yennier Canó will return to Triple-A St. Paul. Cano has played in 10 games with the big league club, collecting a 9,22 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings pitched. Mark Contreras remains with the Twins, despite returning to the minors. Contreras will hit at the bottom of the batting order against the Tigers.
The Twins are coming off a road trip, losing four of their last five to Detroit and San Diego, respectively. The homestand at Target Field includes three games against the Tigers and four against the Toronto Blue Jays. In the AL Central, the Twins are in a dogfight for the division lead with the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox. As a result, the Twins have a one-game lead on Chicago and a two-game lead on Cleveland. Then after the homestand, the club will travel to Los Angeles for a pair of series against the Dodgers and Angels.
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Players Mentioned:
Aaron Sanchez, José Godoy, Gio Urshela, Gilberto Celestino, Yennier Canó, Mark Contreras
