Twins option Nik Turley, place Ehire Adrianza on DL

Following today’s blowout loss to the White Sox, the Twins optioned “starting pitcher” Nik Turley back to Triple-A Rochester. It’s not a surprise. At all. Turley failed to make it out of the first inning today, giving up five earned runs, including two bombs to Jose Abreu and Todd Frazier. It was Turley’s third major league start, and he’s struggled in all three. How much? Well, here’s a fun fact:

So yeah.

What was a surprise is that the team also moved infielder Ehire Adrianza to the DL. What’s the deal with that? According to Brandon Warne, the reason is “abdominal issues”. Not sure if that means a pulled muscle or the flu or what.

But whatever! Anything to make room for fresh arms, which the Twins desperately need after today’s bullpen marathon. I mean, we’re facing the Indians this weekend! The Twins are waiting until tomorrow to make the corresponding moves, and I would not be surprised to see them call up two arms and go with a shorter bench.

The Twins have a number of likely arm options who are on the 40-man roster, including Alex Wimmers, Ryan Pressly, Mason Melotakis, and Randy Rosario. Wimmers, however, pitched two innings tonight for the Red Wings, so he isn’t the freshest. Melotakis pitched 0.2 innings yesterday and has yet to make his major league debut. Pressly last pitched for the Red Wings Tuesday, and hasn’t given up a run yet in six innings of work at Triple-A. Rosario hasn’t pitched for the Lookouts since June 15th, since it’s been their All-Star Break.

It’s also possible for the Twins to do something more surprising, like call up Fernando Romero or Felix Jorge. Neither has pitched above Double-A, but are they both already on the 40-man roster. The Twins could also just decide to active Hector Santiago from the DL, but I’m not sure if he’s ready.

There are other options, of course, but they would likely be pitchers not on the 40-man and would require additional moves to create roster space. Who knows, though—that hasn’t seemed to scare off Falvine so much so far this year.

UPDATE 10:09 pm CT:

Just after publishing, this news broke out:

Like I said, Falvine really doesn’t seem scared to make these 40-man moves. Placing Phil Hughes on the 60-day DL may be an option here, but also a little weird, as Phil pitched an inning in rehab just yesterday. Still, maybe he needs the time.

Trevor Hildenberger has been tearing it up in Triple-A, where he was a 2.05 ERA over 30.2 innings pitched. Serendipitously, I actually spoke to Trevor earlier this week, so look for the interview tomorrow here at Twinkie Town!