Scott Baker Hits Twins 15-Day DL with Elbow Tendinitis
By Editorial Staff
The Minnesota Twins have placed starting pitcher Scott Baker on their 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 27. Baker has been dealing with tendenitis in his elbow, and the Twins are being cautious with their veteran right-hander.
Baker was able to log four innings yesterday against the Red Sox Triple-A club, but Minnesota has decided to give him additional time off before he makes his season debut. Baker is eligible to return on April 11, and the Twins won’t need a fifth starter until the 15th. The Twins are expected to have Baker start next Thursday in their Class-A affiliate’s season opener.
Because of an early off day, the Twins have decided to start the season with a four-man starting rotation. Carl Pavano, Francisco Liriano, rookie Liam Hendricks and Nick Blackburn make up the starting four. Minnesota has placed Anthony Swarzak in its bullpen, as he will play the role of long reliever and spot starter this season.
Along with Liriano, Baker is the Twins longest tenured starter. The 30-year-old has posted an ERA and WHIP of 4.15 and 1.264 over his seven seasons in Minnesota. Last year, Baker appeared in 23 games for the Twins, including 21 starts, maintaining an ERA of 3.14 and 1.173 WHIP with 8.2 SO/9 and 2.1 BB/9.
For more on the Twins, be sure to check out Puckett’s Pond.
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