Twins fill roster spot with lefty Albers

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins filled a gap in their 25-man roster and likely a slot in their rotation on Friday night when they selected the contract of left-handed pitcher Andrew Albers from Triple-A Rochester.

Albers, who will turn 28 in October, is expected to replace fellow Canadian lefty Scott Diamond in the Twins' rotation. Diamond was optioned to Rochester after a poor showing in Thursday's 7-2 loss to Kansas City.

In 22 starts for Rochester this year, Albers was 11-5 with a 2.86 ERA. He's struck out 116 batters while walking only 32 in 132 1/3 innings. He played for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic and allowed two runs in three innings pitched.

Albers was added to the 40-man roster, filling a spot vacated when the Twins traded catcher Drew Butera to the Dodgers on Wednesday.

Assuming the Twins' rotation remains intact, Albers could make his Major League debut on Tuesday at Kansas City.