Twins tweak roster following loss, designate Stauffer for assignment
MINNEAPOLIS -- Following Wednesday's 7-2 loss to Kansas City, the Minnesota Twins made several roster moves. Most notably, right-hander Tim Stauffer was designated for assignment.
To take Stauffer's spot on the roster, Minnesota recalled right-hander Michael Tonkin from Triple-A Rochester. The Twins also sent shortstop Jorge Polanco back to Double-A Chattanooga. Polanco was called up as an extra player while outfielder Eddie Rosario was on the paternity list.
Stauffer, who previously spent nine seasons with the San Diego Padres, signed a one-year, $2.2 million contract in December and he made the club out of spring training as a bullpen arm. But Stauffer struggled during his brief time in Minnesota and also had a stint on the disabled list. In 13 games with the Twins, the 33-year-old Stauffer had a 6.60 ERA and just six strikeouts in 15 innings. He also walked seven batters and allowed four home runs during that stretch.
"It didn't work out particularly well," said Twins manager Paul Molitor. "We'll wish him well. I'm sure he's going to land somewhere, somehow."
Tonkin has been up in the majors twice already this season. In 12 games with the Twins this year, Tonkin had a 5.63 ERA with seven strikeouts in eight innings. With Triple-A Rochester, he posted a 1.54 ERA in 12 relief appearances.
Polanco made his season debut Wednesday with Minnesota and was 1 for 3 with a walk, but he also committed an error at shortstop that eventually led to a Kansas City run.
"He took good at-bats all night long," Molitor said. "It's good to see him. He's having a really good year. Another valuable game for him."
