Report: Keppel called up to Twins; Ayala demoted

Jeff Wheeler, Star Tribune

Luis Ayala

The web site of the Rochester newspaper is reporting that Bobby Keppel has been called up by the Twins.

Last update: June 22, 2009 - 4:14 PM

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After another bullpen failure on Saturday, the Twins have called up right-handed pitcher Bobby Keppel from their Class AAA Rochester club, according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle's web site.

The Twins announced this afternoon that reliever Luis Ayala is being demoted to Rochester.

Keppel was 3-3, 2.43 at Rochester and had been scheduled to start Sunday's game for the Red Wings before being replaced. He has started three games and pitched in relief 20 times.

The Red Wings were swept in a double header Sunday, after which manager Stan Cliburn said: "Sending Keppel up to the major leagues takes the pain away. He's a class act and we wish him the best."

Keppel, 27, last pitched in the majors for Colorado in 2007, when he had an 11.25 ERA iin four relief appearances. He had an 0-4 record for the Royals in 2006 with a 5.50 ERA in eight games, including six starts.

Keppel was the 36th player drafted in the 2000 amateur draft, signing with the Mets, who released him in 2005. Last season, pitching for Class AAA ALbuqeurque, he had a 9-11 record and 5.99 ERA in 28 games, including 27 starts.

The Rochester report also said that Alexi Casilla left the first game of the doubleheader with a strained groin after chasing a foul ball.

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