MINNEAPOLIS — Matt Capps tried to pitch through the pain, but in the end the Minnesota Twins were forced to put their closer on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation.
For Capps, it was the first time since 2008 when he was with Pittsburgh that he landed on the DL -- the only other time in his career he's been on the disabled list.
"Nobody wants to go on the DL. That's kind of a no-brainer," Capps said before Monday's game at Target Field. "This is my job. I don't want to be sitting around. I don't want to watch my teammates out there on the field. Sometimes this is what it takes to get right. I'm not going to do anybody any good being out there hurt and trying to pitch through it. This is what we've got to do."
Capps said he was expecting to get a cortisone shot in his shoulder either Monday or Tuesday, but Twins general manager Terry Ryan would not confirm that. Ryan would say that Capps had not yet had a cortisone shot, but did not let on whether one was scheduled.
The Twins hope that Capps won't need more than 15 days on the disabled list. Major League Baseball's All-Star break falls 15 days from June 24, which is when Capps' move to the DL is retroactive to. The Twins return from the break on July 13. Capps said Monday he's hoping to go on a rehab assignment during the All-Star break and rejoin his team for their home stand after the break.
For now, Capps said the plan is just ice and rest.
"There's no damage other than he's got inflammation, which is good," Ryan said. "Hopefully it'll be just the 15 days and we can get him back on track here. He's not ever been hurt much in his life."
In the meantime, the Twins recalled left-hander Tyler Robertson from Triple-A Rochester to take Capps' spot on the 25-man roster and to add an arm to the bullpen. Left-hander Glen Perkins will be called upon at times in save situations, and fellow lefty Brian Duensing was moved from the bullpen to the rotation. The addition of Robertson gives Minnesota another left-handed option in the sixth or seventh innings.
In 33 games this year with Rochester, Robertson was 2-2 with a 3.77 ERA and two saves. He struck out 33 batters and walked 13 in 28-2/3 innings. His first game with the Twins will be his major league debut.
"He's a big, strong guy that takes the ball. He's been very durable over the years," Ryan said of Robertson. "He's got a sinking fastball and a slurve. He has a changeup you probably won't see much of. He's competitive. He's got good makeup. He's aggressive. . . . I'm anxious to see how he does."
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