CLEVELAND -- After Friday's 1-0 win over the Indians at Progressive Field, the Twins announced right-handed pitcher Jose Berrios was recalled from Triple-A Rochester to start the second game of a three-game set against the Tribe on Saturday.
To make room for Berrios on the 25-man roster, right-hander Nick Tepesch was optioned to Triple-A Rochester. Tepesch and Berrios were the final two candidates to start Saturday's game, but the Twins ultimately decided to give the nod to Berrios, even though Tepesch was previously on the 25-man roster.
"It just seems like his time," Twins manager Paul Molitor said of Berrios after Thursday's 7-6 win over the White Sox. "Tep was an option, but I was concerned about the lack of work. It's probably not the best situation. But [Berrios] has stretched together some starts. He's made progress in areas that we need. We'll throw him out there against Cleveland on the road, which is a tough first assignment, so we'll see how it goes."
In his lone start with the Twins this season, Tepesch lasted only 1 2/3 innings and allowed seven runs (one earned) on five hits on May 6 against the Red Sox, with two strikeouts and two walks.
In the Minor Leagues this season, Berrios impressed, going 3-0 with a 1.13 ERA in six starts. In those six outings, the 22-year old only allowed five earned runs and eight walks while striking out 39 in 39 2/3 total innings. In addition, he allowed only one run across 14 innings in two starts between April 24 and April 30, resulting in the right-hander being named the International League Pitcher of the Week.
Despite his success in with Triple-A Rochester this season, Berrios struggled in 14 starts as a rookie in 2016. In 58 1/3 innings last season, he went 3-7 and posted an 8.02 ERA, allowing 12 homers and 35 walks. The Twins wanted the right-hander to improve his command in Spring Training and in the Minors, and they are pleased enough with the results to give the 2012 first-round Draft pick a chance on Saturday.
"I have a second chance this year here," Berrios said. "I have to go out there tomorrow and pitch my best and try to help the team win."