Odds were against lefthander Dennys Reyes duplicating his 2006 season, in which he posted a 0.89 ERA in 502/3 innings.
But the Twins weren't prepared for him to have a 6.57 ERA midway through May.
Reyes, as it turned out, had been pitching with shoulder inflammation. After a stint on the disabled list and continued maintenance, Reyes is back to throwing as effectively as he did last season.
He entered Friday's game with 91/3 scoreless innings since being activated from the 15-day disabled list on June 14.
"Being healthy, that's the main thing," Reyes said, "and being able to spot my pitches better. Just being able to be pain-free makes a lot of difference."
The challenge for the Twins is to make sure Reyes, the only lefthander currently in the bullpen, doesn't get overworked. Getting through this weekend will be hard enough, given the lefthanded hitters on Oakland's roster.
"He has done a super job for us," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He's throwing the ball real good and his slider is snapping. He's healthy, and that's the key. If he's healthy, he's got great stuff."
Reyes often threw several consecutive days in the bullpen last season to help him maintain his control in games. That's no longer happening.
"I'm trying to save my bullets," Reyes said with a smile. "My doctor told me to take it easy on the throws."
Pump up Punto
Twins infielder Nick Punto entered Friday batting .212, but teammate Torii Hunter believes Punto will rebound from a disastrous first half.
"Nick Punto is my pick to click for the second half," Hunter said. "I think he's going to make the adjustment."
Punto batted .290 last season, but Gardenhire believes Punto can salvage his season if he cuts down on hitting the ball in the air.
"Guys have confidence in him because he's such a gamer," Gardenhire said.
Using Jones
Gardenhire is reluctant to use Garrett Jones in the outfield until he practices tracking balls against the Metrodome roof. The plan is for Jones, who was called up from Class AAA Rochester on Wednesday, to have fly balls hit to him after games so he can get used to nighttime conditions.
It should be pointed out that Jones, originally a first baseman, is playing in the outfield for the first time on a regular basis. With Michael Cuddyer established in right field, Jones must play in left field, which is much more spacious in the Dome.
"The report is that he's better in right field than in left field, and that is the toughest field here," Gardenhire said. "It is going to take some work."
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