Scott Baker Heads to Disabled List

Scott Baker has been placed on the disabled list and the Twins will call up Kevin Slowey from Triple A to start for the Twins this Sunday against the Cleveland Indians. Baker was placed on the disabled list because of a strained flexor muscle. This is the same injury that forced him to be on the disabled list in July. He won't throw a baseball until the Twins return from their next road trip on August 18th.

Slowey will be making his first major league start since September of 2010. Ron Gardenhire thought it would be better to have Slowey start than have Anthony Swarzak take Baker's place in the rotation.

"Honestly, when you've got a pitcher down there like Slowey, who's throwing the ball well and healthy ... this is the right thing," Gardenhire said. "Just bring Slowey up, slide him into the rotation, keep Swarzy where he's done really well."

Nick Blackburn to Bullpen, Anthony Slama recalled from AAA

The Minnesota Twins made some changes to their pitching staff. Starting pitcher Nick Blackburn was swapped with left-handed reliever Brian Duensing and Anthony Slama was recalled from AAA to replace Alex Burnett. Nick Blackburn has struggled since going 5-0 in May. He has lost 7 of his last 9 decisions and his ERA is 6.53. He has allowed 11 home runs in 41 innings since June 1 with a 9.88 ERA. Brian Duensing will have his first start on Friday against the Baltimore Orioles. Anthony Slama debuted yesterday against the Cleveland Indians, throwing 1 inning with 2 strikeouts and a hit.