Twins call up Gabriel Moya, DFA Engelb Vielma

I wrote yesterday about several tweets that seemed to indicate the Twins were calling up LHP Gabriel Moya. It seems the tweets were correct.

Moya is the 22-year-old reliever the Twins acquired before the trade deadline this year in exchange for catcher John Ryan Murphy. Over 58.1 innings in Double-A this year, he posted a 0.77 ERA with a 0.77 WHIP and 87 strikeouts over 58.1 innings.

Of course, Moya was not on the 40-man roster, which is currently full. To make space, the Twins designated poor shortstop Engelb Vielma for release or assignment. Vielma, 23, is considered one of the best defensive shortstops in the Twins’ system, but he left a lot to be desired with the bat; over 87 games in Triple-A this year, he hit just .206/.233/.260 with zero home runs. Ouch.

It’s east to see why Vielma is considered expendable. The Twins have several much more highly touted shortstop prospects in the system, such as Royce Lewis and Nick Gordon, who are or should become better hitters than Vielma. And though Vielma is known for his defense, the Twins have Ehire Adrianza in the majors, who is also known for being a slick fielder. It doesn’t hurt that Ehire had been heating up at the plate lately too.

There’s a good chance Vielma will clear waivers and stick around with the club anyway.

Also, Vielma’s middle name is apparently “Stalin”. Just wanted to work that in here somehow. Thank you.