Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN – The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have reinstated right-handed pitcher Michael Pineda from the Restricted List and outfielder Byron Buxton from the 10-day Injured List.
Pineda, who last pitched on September 6, 2019, returns after serving a 60-game suspension for violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The 31-year-old missed the Twins’ final 21 regular season games of last season, three games during the 2019 American League Division Series and the first 36 regular season games of this season. The Yaguate, Dominican Republic native re-signed with Minnesota over the offseason after going 11-5 with a 4.01 ERA (146.0 IP, 65 ER), 28 walks, 140 strikeouts and a 1.16 WHIP in 26 starts with the Twins last season. Pineda finished 2019 going 7-1 with a 2.76 ERA (65.1 IP, 20 ER), eight quality starts, 14 walks, 73 strikeouts, a .232 opponent batting average and a 1.09 WHIP in his final 11 starts.
Buxton, who missed the Twins last 11 games with left shoulder inflammation, played in 21 games this season, hitting .221 (15-for-68) with one double, five home runs, 12 RBI, 10 runs scored and a .681 OPS. He had posted an .835 OPS and a .580 slugging percentage with 10 RBI in 14 games leading up to his injury.
To make room on the 28-man roster, the Twins have optioned LaMonte Wade Jr. who appeared seven games for the Twins this season, hitting .200 (3-for-15) with one double. Additionally, right-handed pitcher Juan Minaya has been designated for release or assignment. Minaya did not appear for the Twins this season.