Another Twins prospect is set to make his major-league debut.
Minnesota announced Thursday that it has recalled pitching prospect Alex Meyer from Triple-A Rochester. Meyer takes the roster spot of right-hander Michael Tonkin, who was optioned to Rochester after Wednesday's Twins game.
Meyer began the season as a starter but was eventually transitioned to the bullpen after struggling with his command. The 6-foot-9 Meyer has thrived in relief, posting a 0.53 ERA with 20 strikeouts and six walks in 17 innings. In eight starts before the transition, Meyer was 2-3 with a 7.09 ERA.
The Twins acquired Meyer from the Washington Nationals for center fielder Denard Span prior to the 2013 season. Meyer pitched for Double-A New Britain in 2013 and ascended to Triple-A Rochester in 2014. Prior to the 2015 season, Baseball Prospectus ranked Meyer as the No. 15 prospect in baseball.
Meyer was a first-round pick of the Nationals back in 2011 out of the University of Kentucky. Though Meyer will get his break in the majors as a reliever, the Twins still hope he can be a starter down the road.
"Up here, we would always envision him being a potential starting candidate, just because they're the most valuable pieces to a pitching staff," said Twins general manager Terry Ryan. "Some people can handle it. Some people struggle with it. Some people grow into it. With his type of stuff, with the fastball, the slurve and the change, he's got enough of that. He's got enough stamina and durability. It's just a matter of command with him."
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