BALTIMORE -- You can officially scratch Alex Meyer from the Twins' September call-up list. Meyer went on the Class AAA disabled list instead on Sunday, one day after leaving his final start of the season after he couldn't get loose on the mound.
The Twins list Meyer's ailment as "shoulder inflammation," and I'm sure he'll be evaluated further now that his season is over. Twins farm director Brad Steil termed Meyer's departure as "precautionary" on Saturday, but it's just one more thing for the Twins to worry about as they head into the offseason next month.
Meyer's condition gives another pitching prospect an opportunity, though. J.O. Berrios, who began the season at Fort Myers and spent the past six weeks at New Britain, has been called up to Rochester to start tonight's game in Pawtucket -- a critical game for the Red Wings, who must win both their remaining games to have a chance (they need a Buffalo loss as well) at winning a wild-card playoff berth.
Ryan O'Rourke, a left-handed reliever, is with him, as a AAA replacement for Aaron Thompson, who is on a major-league roster today for the first time in since 2011. Thompson said he was shocked by the timing, but not the promotion. He had been hoping for a September callup all along. He's in the bullpen today and will likely serve as Ron Gardenhire's lefty specialist for now. Brian Duensing and Caleb Thielbar have been less consistent lately -- each has given up runs a couple of times in the past 10 days -- so Thompson will help give them a break.
Speaking of breaks, Kurt Suzuki gets one today, too, though Gardenhire said it's unrelated to the foul ball he took off his jaw yesterday. And Joe Mauer will serve as the designated hitter for a third straight game, as Gardenhire gets a longer look at Kennys Vargas' first-base skills.
The Orioles had hoped to have their new outfielder, Alejandro De Aza, in the lineup today, but he missed his flight and won't arrive in time.
Here are the lineups for today's 12:35 CT game from Camden Yards:
TWINS
