Mike Pelfrey to the Disabled List; Twins Recall Pedro Hernandez

The Twins placed right-hander Mike Pelfrey on the disabled list this morning, retroactive to Wednesday, with a strained back. Pelfrey's injury comes at an awkward time for him, since he'd actually been pitching better over the last few weeks. Here's how his numbers shake out over differing periods of "what have you done for me lately".

All Season (14 starts): 5 IP/start, 6.11 ERA, .349 BABIP, 4.9 K/9, 2.7 BB/9
Since May 1 (9 starts): 5.1 IP/start, 5.40 ERA, .338 BABIP, 5.8 K/9, 2.6 BB/9
Since June 1 (3 starts): 6.1 IP/start, 4.66 ERA, .333 BABIP, 5.6 K/9, 0.9 BB/9

Luckily, back pain does not appear to be a symptom of issues following Tommy John surgery. At least it's not a popular occurrence. Hopefully Pelfrey gets a few days of rest, misses a couple of starts, and then comes back and can continue on his trend of effectiveness.

In Pelfrey's stead will be Pedro Hernandez, whose 5.85 ERA in six starts and eight overall appearances is actually better than Pelfrey's so far this season. Hernandez doesn't have Pelfrey's track record, however, and in five starts with the Triple-A Red Wings was still allowing 1.5 base runners per inning. Hernandez's appearance with the Twins is temporary.

Pedro Hernandez is pitching on just four days rest, having pitched five innings for Rochester on Wednesday.

For the record, Kyle Gibson last pitched three days ago and therefore would have been unable to help the Twins today. In Gibson's last ten starts he's thrown 65.2 innings and posed a 2.88 ERA, striking out 53, walking 19, and allowing just three home runs on 57 hits.