Twins recall Alan Busenitz for Puerto Rico series

Sorry, Kennys Vargas, but the Twins decided to bring reliever Alan Busenitz with them for their “home series” in San Juan.

The Twins optioned Ryan LaMarre to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday, leaving his roster spot open and flexible as the team waited to see what this blizzard would do in Minneapolis. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday’s games were all snowed-out, and so the Twins could finally make their informed decision.

So far in Triple-A this year, Busenitz has given up one run on three hits over 2.2 innings. Last year in 31.2 innings for the Twins Busenitz posted a 1.99 ERA with a 0.98 WHIP. He was mostly pushed to start the year in Triple-A because of all the veteran major league relievers the Twins picked up in free agency (Fernando Rodney, Zach Duke, and Addison Reed).

I’ll admit I’m not a professional baseball front office person, but doesn’t this seem like total overkill? The Twins are now carrying 13 pitchers with them to Puerto Rico, and considering the last three games have all been snowed out, they all have VERY fresh arms. Why not call up a bat? I was hoping for Kennys Vargas, but it doesn’t even have to be him. Why not call up Zack Granite, or even just have kept Ryan LaMarre on the roster?

Anyway, as far as position players on the actual bench go, the Twins are down to three: Robbie Grossman, Ehire Adrianza, and backup catcher Mitch Garver.

But seriously — why didn’t the Twins just keep Ryan LaMarre?