Deduno to Start Friday, 40-Man Roster Move Coming

In a mildly surprising turn of events, the Minnesota Twins have elected to give the fifth starter's job to Samuel Deduno. Following the demotion of Pedro Hernandez and recall of Caleb Thielbar, we speculated yesterday over a trio of pitchers who could make their 2013 MLB debut. The favorite was clearly Kyle Gibson, but apparently the Twins aren't ready to make that move.

Deduno has made just three starts for the Red Wings this season, although after two rough outings impressed in the third by striking out eight and walking just two in 6.1 innings. He did allow four runs (after allowing a combined two prior), but clearly the Twins are looking at this differently than the fanbase. Possibly they see this as an opportunity to see whether or not Deduno has anything to offer the club in the future; Gibson's future is in no doubt, as he will definitely will be playing a larger role. Perhaps they see value in adding a pitcher who, if he struggles, won't give the front office reservations in sending him back down.

Whatever the case, the message to fans about Gibson is this: when Kyle Gibson is brought up, it will be for good. He won't be brought up to make three or four appearances only to be returned to Rochester.

The lone remaining detail on this move is to see who the Twins remove from the 40-man roster in order to add Deduno. Right now the roster is full. Tim Wood, Pedro Hernandez, B.J. Hermsen, Drew Butera, or Joe Benson would be among my list of players most likely to lose their spot.