Twins recall righty reliever Oliveros

MINNEAPOLIS -- Right-hander Lester Oliveros was officially recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Thursday, and made his season debut with the Twins on Thursday night against the Phillies in Minnesota's 1-0 loss.

He allowed one run on one hit over 1 2/3 innings in relief of left-hander Scott Diamond. He also walked one and struck out one.

Oliveros, 24, posted a combined 2.70 ERA with 38 strikeouts and 12 walks in 36 2/3 innings split between Double-A New Britain and Rochester this season.

He said the biggest difference this season is his improved control, as he saw time in the Majors last season but struggled a bit. The hard-throwing right-hander had a 4.64 ERA with 13 strikeouts and 11 walks in 21 1/3 innings with the Tigers and Twins.

"I learned I needed better command," said Oliveros, who was acquired in the trade that sent Delmon Young to Detroit. "I needed to keep the ball down, and I went down to the Minors to work on my command."

Oliveros was recalled because the Twins have a depleted bullpen after P.J. Walters left Wednesday's start without recording an out. Walters was placed on the disabled list with inflammation in his right shoulder on Thursday.

"We used so much pitching last night we needed to add a little protection. He's been throwing very well down there for us"