HOUSTON -- The Twins will be without one of their key relievers for a while.
Lefty Anthony Banda, who had emerged as one of manager Derek Shelton’s most trusted high-leverage options in recent weeks, was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday due to a left lat strain. He suffered the injury in Sunday’s home win against the Rockies.
Righty Cody Laweryson, who was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul last week, has been recalled to take Banda’s place on the roster. Laweryson has been mostly effective this season and was the victim of an innings crunch when he was sent out on June 23.
The club did not immediately make a move with Banda on Sunday, but following further evaluation, he was placed on the shelf prior to the first game of a weeklong road trip to Houston and New York. Banda, 32, has a 4.46 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 39 games (34 1/3 innings), but he has been much more effective since an April slump. He has a 1.00 ERA in 20 appearances since May 10.