Chase De Jong called up; Tyler Austin DFA’d

Do-Hyoung Park broke news less than an hour ago of a roster move that was pretty much needed after last night’s ad-hoc bullpen game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Minnesota Twins decided to add old friend Chase De Jong to the 40-man roster; he is traveling from Allentown, Penn., (Why was he there? I don’t know) [editor’s note: it’s because Rochester is visiting the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs this weekend] and will be available for today’s game. De Jong pitched four games and 17.2 innings for the Twins last season, allowing 7 ER, 3 HR, 6 BB, and 13 K.

To make room for De Jong, the Twins have designated Tyler Austin for assignment. Austin will be put on the waiver wire for the time being. Austin came to the Twins last year at the trade deadline from the New York Yankees when the Twins sent Lance Lynn, of all people, back to the Evil Empire. Austin ended up hitting .236/.298/.488 with 9 homers and notching 24 RBI in 37 games with the Twins.

With the ultra-flexibility of Marwin Gonzalez, Willians Astudillo, and Ehire Adrianza, and with first base solidified with C.J. Cron, this looks to be the best short-term move for the Twins to help the bullpen in case another “bullpen” day is needed in Philadelphia. Let’s hope not.

Good luck to Tyler Austin, and welcome back, Chase De Jong.