Help is on the way for Minnesota's depleted lineup.
The Twins announced Friday that they have activated outfielder Aaron Hicks from the seven-day concussion disabled list. Additionally, Minnesota selected the contract of outfielder Chris Parmelee and recalled him from Triple-A Rochester. The moves give the Twins two additional outfielders one day after infielder Eduardo Escobar started in center field.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Parmelee, Minnesota designated outfielder Kenny Wilson for assignment.
Parmelee spent parts of the last three seasons with the Twins but began 2014 with Rochester. In 32 games this year with the Red Wings, Parmelee hit .305 with seven home runs and 23 RBI. He's had success in Triple-A in past seasons, too, but never managed to carry it with him to the majors. In 186 career games with the Twins, Parmelee has batted just .246 with 17 homers and 57 RBI.
Hicks suffered concussion-like symptoms when he crashed into the center-field fence during Minnesota's last homestand at Target Field. Prior to his injury, he was hitting just .178 with one homer and seven RBI in 24 games.
Minnesota's outfield depth was thin prior to Friday's moves. Oswaldo Arcia and Josh Willingham are still on the 15-day disabled list, and Hicks was sidelined with a concussion. The Twins also put outfielder Sam Fuld on the seven-day concussion DL, meaning Thursday's outfield alignment consisted of Jason Kubel in left, Escobar in center and Chris Herrmann in right. Hicks should resume his role as the starting center fielder, while Parmelee can play right field as well as first base.
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