Outfielder Aaron Hicks, who has been sidelined with a strained hamstring, has returned to the Twins after four games with Cl;ass AAA Rochester. In addition, the Twins have called up left-handed pitcher Logan Darnell, who had a 5-1 record and 2.78 ERA in 35 games for the Red Wings.

Hicks had been the Twins' regular center fielder, but he is likely not to see playing time at a corner outfield spot because of Byron Buxton's presence in center field. In 24 games before his injury, Hicks batted .283 with five home runs for the Twins, and had moved into the leadoff spot in the batting order.

Darnell had been a reliever at Rochester for much of the season, but was moved into the rotation in mid-August. He allowed only three earned runs in 32 2/3 innings over his last five starts.

Both players should be available tonight with the Twins open a three-game series at Houston.