Twins to recall Johnson for doubleheader
With six games in five days, lefty to pitch Game 2 against Dodgers
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins will recall left-hander Kris Johnson from Triple-A Rochester to start Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Dodgers, Minnesota announced on Tuesday night.
Johnson, who had a 2.86 ERA in four starts with Rochester, will be the 26th man on the roster for the Twins. He is expected to be optioned back to Triple-A Rochester after his outing.
The Twins needed another starter after Tuesday's game against the Dodgers was postponed because of inclement weather, giving them six games in five days. So the Twins needed to either recall a pitcher to start in Game 2 of the doubleheader or one to start Sunday -- unless Wednesday's starter, Kyle Gibson, goes on short rest on Sunday.
With the ability to add a 26th player for the second game of the doubleheader, the Twins opted to recall Johnson for Game 2. Right-hander Mike Pelfrey is slated to start Game 1.
Johnson, 29, was acquired in a trade with the Pirates in exchange for reliever Duke Welker in November. Welker was originally acquired from the Pirates as part of the trade that sent Justin Morneau to Pittsburgh last August.
The 6-foot-4 left-hander has a career 4.23 ERA in 940 1/3 innings in the Minor Leagues. He also posted a 6.10 ERA in 10 1/3 innings last year with the Pirates over four appearances, including a start.