MINNEAPOLIS -- Bartolo Colon will start on "Big Sexy" night at Target Field on Friday, after all.
The Twins announced left-hander Adalberto Mejia was activated from the 10-day disabled list Wednesday, but won't rejoin the rotation until Saturday, giving him two days of extra rest after his third and final rehab outing, in which he threw five innings of one-hit ball for Double-A Chattanooga in the Southern League playoffs on Saturday. It means Jose Berrios will start on regular rest in the series opener against the Blue Jays on Thursday.
"I wanted to keep Jose and Colon on their regular turn," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "It's something I thought made sense, given they're both throwing the ball well."
Mejia has been out since Aug. 8 with a left biceps strain. He had a 3.55 ERA over his last 10 starts before sustaining the injury, and has a 4.47 ERA in 18 outings as a rookie this season. He's replacing Aaron Slegers as the club's fifth starter with Slegers moving to the bullpen.
"Mejia has done some good things for us this year," Molitor said. "His rehab was efficient. He's proven that he's ready to come back and help us. It's really the first day I need to slot someone in."
Worth noting
• Third baseman Miguel Sano continues to rehab his left shin stress reaction, but backed off running Wednesday after feeling soreness following Tuesday's work. He took batting practice on the field, but it's clear he's having trouble running.
"I don't think it's imminent," Molitor said of Sano's return. "But he's making progress. I still can't predict a clock with him, but each day we're getting closer."
• Lost in the shuffle of the Twins setting a Major League record by homering in the first seven innings of Tuesday's 16-0 win was rookie Niko Goodrum recording his first career hit as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning.
"It takes a little pressure off getting that first one, so it feels good," Goodrum said. "With everything going on, scoring a lot of runs and everything, it was cool to hear everyone cheering."
• Left-hander Gabriel Moya also made his Major League debut Tuesday, showing off his unusual delivery while throwing a scoreless ninth inning. Moya walked a batter and committed a balk, but recorded a strikeout to end the game. His fastball averaged 91.3 mph, while his changeup averaged 80.3 mph. He also threw one slider at 82.4 mph, but his changeup remains his best pitch.
"It's busy," Molitor said of Moya's delivery. "I don't know if it adds to his effectiveness, but I think that little twist he does before he throws the baseball helps him hide the ball and makes him tough to pick up. I don't think the young man is lacking confidence. He's got an act he brings out there, but that's who he's comfortable being."