Diamond rediscovers form in Triple-A stint

MINNNEAPOLIS -- When he was optioned to Triple-A Rochester in early August, southpaw Scott Diamond knew there was no guarantee he'd back up with the Twins this season.

A year after posting a 3.54 ERA in 27 starts as a rookie, Diamond had a 5.52 ERA in 20 starts before being optioned to Triple-A. But Diamond was able to right the ship at Rochester with a 2.02 ERA in six starts, including a strong outing in the International League playoffs.

It earned Diamond a callup on Monday, and he'll join the rotation on Thursday to start against the A's with the Twins employing a six-man rotation.

"It means a lot," Diamond said. "They obviously didn't have to do this. With the way I was pitching when I was up here, I didn't deserve it. I knew going down there that I had to perform and get back to the basics so, I'm thankful for the opportunity."

Diamond said his stuff was largely the same at Triple-A, but he was able to get ahead of hitters just like he did last year, when he showed promise as a rookie.

"I really don't think there was much of a difference," Diamond said. "The difference was, I was throwing strikes. I didn't care what type of strike it was as long as I get ahead. I feel like when I have that type of mentality my stuff is actually better. It's executed better and thrown with more conviction."