NEW YORK, NY – The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have returned right-handed pitcher Cole Sands from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 15-day Injured List.

Sands missed the Twins’ last 14 games with a right elbow contusion, an injury he suffered on August 23 at Houston on a line drive off the bat of Yuli Gurriel. Sands made two appearances for Triple-A St. Paul on his rehab assignment, allowing three runs on seven hits in 4.2 innings pitched, with two walks and three strikeouts. The 25-year-old has appeared in nine games (3 starts) for the Twins this season, going 0-3 with a 6.56 ERA (23.1 IP, 17 ER), seven walks and 26 strikeouts.

To make room on the 28-man roster, the Twins have designated left-handed pitcher Austin Davis for release or assignment. Davis, who was claimed off waivers from Boston on August 31, appeared in two games for the Twins, allowing three runs on one hit in 1.2 innings pitched, with four walks and three strikeouts.

Additionally, the Twins have returned right-handed pitcher Louie Varland to Triple-A St. Paul. Varland served as the 29th man for yesterday’s doubleheader with the New York Yankees and made his major league debut as the game one starter, allowing two runs on three hits in 5.1 innings pitched, with one walk and seven strikeouts.