Pino to start Thursday in Major League debut

BOSTON -- The Twins will recall right-hander Yohan Pino from Triple-A Rochester to start against the White Sox on Thursday, with fellow right-hander Samuel Deduno heading to the bullpen. A corresponding roster move will come Thursday.

Pino, 30, has excelled with Rochester this year, going 9-1 with a 1.92 ERA while making seven starts and seven relief appearances. The 6-foot-2 right-hander also has struck out 61 and walked 16 in 61 innings.

He rejoined the Twins organization this year after being traded to Cleveland for right-hander Carl Pavano in 2009. He'll be making his Major League debut after 10 seasons and 292 career appearances in the Minors. He'll have to be added to the 40-man roster, but the club can shift right-hander Mike Pelfrey to the 60-day disabled list to make room for him. The 25-man roster move is unclear, but it's likely to be a pitcher sent out, as Twins manager Ron Gardenhire wants to keep a 12-man pitching staff.

Gardenhire said Pino isn't overpowering, as his fastball averages just 87-88 mph, but possesses a strong curveball and was the most deserving of several candidates at Rochester, including top prospects Alex Meyer and Trevor May.

"He's been lights out and has been pitching fantastic along with three or four other guys down there," Gardenhire said. "He's been throwing the ball well and doing everything they asked. He has a great ERA and the whole package. I think we could've had our choices down there and this is who they decided to go with because he's worked very hard."

Deduno, meanwhile, had struggled over his last four outings with a 10.13 ERA and will head back to the bullpen, where he began the season. He took the decision in stride, even though he prefers to be a starter.

"I'm happy to be here and in the bullpen," Deduno said. "I'm going to do my job. I have to keep my head up."