Nolasco's complete game gives bullpen extra rest

MINNEAPOLIS -- After the Twins played 21 innings in Thursday's doubleheader against the Dodgers, Ricky Nolasco helped the bullpen out with his complete game in Friday's 3-0 loss to the Orioles.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said it was important for Nolasco to give the bullpen some much-needed rest, as they've been overworked in recent days.

"Completing a ballgame like that protected us," Gardenhire said. "We all know the bullpen situation with how much they've thrown the last couple days. So it's was a big performance from him."

Gardenhire added that he expected just about everyone to be available for Saturday's game as a result, although he wants to give left-hander Brian Duensing extra rest after going 2 2/3 innings in the second game of the twin bill. Right-hander Jared Burton also appeared in both games of the doubleheader.

The Twins, though, have some insurance in their bullpen after calling up left-hander Logan Darnell on Friday to serve as a long reliever.

"Guys like Duensing and maybe a few people might need another day, but I think we're OK," Gardenhire said. "Having Logan out there is pretty nice. I'm pretty sure we'll have most of them ready."