Molitor, Twins sticking with 13 pitchers for now

MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins manager Paul Molitor said he continues to discuss the roster with general manager Terry Ryan, as the club has had a 13-man pitching staff since May 22.

Outfielder Oswaldo Arcia was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday, but he was immediately optioned to Triple-A Rochester, as the Twins decided to stick with eight relievers. Molitor said it makes sense in the short-term after the doubleheader in Boston on Wednesday, and the fact they're using Rule 5 Draft pick J.R. Graham in a spot start on Saturday.

"It's been challenging," Molitor said. "It's kind of where we're at right now. We're limited on the bench and so we've had to rendezvous with the DH and the middle of the lineup right now. Terry and I keep talking about timing and when to try to do things. We're looking for people to come up here and help us, but I don't think anyone is jumping out at us right now."

Arcia has struggled to find his swing at Triple-A, as he's hitting just .091 (2-for-22) in seven games. First baseman/designated hitter Kennys Vargas, who was optioned to Rochester on May 17, has strong overall numbers at Triple-A, hitting .326/.407/.565 with three homers in 14 games, but has struggled a bit recently. He's hitting .240 with one extra-base hit in his last nine games.

They remain the top candidates to be brought back up, but the Twins are looking for more consistency out of both of them.

Video: TOR@MIN: Nolasco exits early with injury in the 2nd

• Right-hander Ricky Nolasco had a cortisone shot in his right ankle on Saturday, Ryan said. Nolasco was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right ankle impingement on Thursday.

• Outfielder Jordan Schafer, on the DL retroactive to May 11 with an MCL sprain in his right knee, has progressed to taking fly balls in the outfield.

"He's getting better," Ryan said. "But I don't think there's a timetable. But I'm encouraged because I've seen him out on the diamond taking fly balls. So it's a good start."