CHICAGO - The Twins decided they have enough players to evaluate this month and called up only two additional September reinforcements: infielder Eduardo Escobar and righthander Luis Perdomo.
Escobar came to the Twins from the White Sox along with lefthander Pedro Hernandez on July 28 in exchange for Francisco Liriano. Escobar is considered an excellent defensive player who struggles offensively. He hit .206 in 36 games with Chicago before the trade. The Twins sent him to Class AAA Rochester, where he batted .217 in 35 games with one homer and nine RBI.
Hernandez had a chance to be called up as well, but he landed on the disabled list last month because of a strained rotator cuff.
Escobar is expected to get plenty of playing time during the final weeks of the season. He could be in the mix for a utility job next season, or more. He will get a warm welcome at U.S. Cellular Field, where he was a popular player with the White Sox.
"We haven't seen him, and this is our opportunity to get a look at him and see what he can do around here," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "A lot of great reports from the other side when we picked him up in a trade. A great clubhouse guy, a great kid and the same thing from some of the players who have been down there with him. We'll use him in all kinds of roles, second, short, third. Just get a look at him all around, get him some swings."
Perdomo was called up in late July and posted a 1.50 ERA in five games. But he gave up five hits and walked seven in six innings.
"We like Perdomo," Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. "He's got a rubber arm. He certainly gives us a lot of protection in that bullpen."
Dozier, Blackburn stay Among the players not called up are shortstop Brian Dozier, righthanders Nick Blackburn and Anthony Slama and Class AA New Britain outfielders Oswaldo Arcia and Aaron Hicks.
