Twins Option Liam Hendriks, Recall Cole De Vries, Think About More Changes

For the second time this year, Liam Hendriks is headed back to Rochester. The right-hander once again couldn't get over the proverbial hump, making four starts in this stint and only retiring a batter in the sixth inning in one of those games. A 5.31 ERA, and an 0-3 record, in those three starts was enough to send him for a second trip in Triple-A this year. He can look on the bright side - he was 5-0 with a 1.94 ERA there earlier this year, and he'll be hoping to get back into that groove again.

Replacing Hendriks on the roster is Cole De Vries, who last appeared in a Twins uniform just four days ago. De Vries was the "26th man" called up for the doubleheader on Saturday against Kansas City, and he pitched well, allowing one run in six innings and getting his second big-league win of the year. He'll likely pitch on Saturday against Texas, taking Hendriks' spot in the rotation.

Meanwhile, the Twins are contemplating yet more changes to the rotation as well, writes Joe Christensen on startribune.com. Nick Blackburn has to be on the hottest seat - he's giving up almost a run an inning, and at this point appears to be best qualified as a slow-pitch softball pitcher. Brian Duensing is scheduled to start tonight, but he's given the game to the bullpen before the end of the fifth in both of his starts so far this year.

Scott Diamond will start Thursday, Francisco Liriano on Friday, and De Vries on Saturday - but Sunday is anybody's guess. (My gut is that Blackburn will start one more, just to give the team the All-Star break to figure out a long-term plan, but we'll see.)