Scott Baker Hits DL; Twins Call Up Scott Diamond
By Editorial Staff
Not wanting to further injure his elbow, the Minnesota Twins have placed starting pitcher Scott Baker on the 15 day disabled list. The move is retroactive to July 7th.
Before the All-Star break, the Twins decided to skip Baker’s last start. They stated that the move was made simply as a precaution assuming the injury wasn’t very severe and hoping Baker would be able to return after resting last week.
But Baker’s elbow was still giving him problems Sunday and with his turn in the rotation coming up today, he told the team he didn’t want to risk doing more damage.
"“He was really unsure whether he was going to be able to go in this start,” Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. “He thought he could pitch, but he didn’t know the ramifications after he pitched, how that would come into play, if he’d be really sore and end up having to miss starts after it.”"
Because Baker has already been skipped in the rotation, he is eligible to come off of the DL this Friday. However, the plan for the 29 year old is to rest the elbow, throw a bullpen and probably make at least one rehab start before returning.
Baker’s been Minnesota’s most successful starter this season, posting an ERA and WHIP of 3.01 and 1.17 over his 17 starts.
Anthony Swarzak will start the first game of the Twin’s double header today in Baker’s place. Minnesota called up Scott Diamond from Triple-A to start the nightcap and take Baker’s roster spot.
Monday will mark Diamond’s major league debut. The left hander has a 3.52 career ERA over his 4 seasons in the minors. On the year the 24 year old has posted a 4.70 earned run average over 17 starts for the Twins Triple-A affiliate.
For more on the Twins, be sure to check out Puckett’s Pond.