The Twins called up outfielder Clete Thomas from Class AAA Rochester on Monday. He will take the place of first baseman Chris Colabello, who was sent back to Rochester after Sunday's game.

Thomas, 29, is batting .296 with nine home runs and 25 RBI in 36 games with the Red Wings. Thomas got off to a strong start, batting .362 in April, but was slowed by a strained quadriceps. The Twins, lacking a good defensive backup outfielder with Darin Mastroianni injured, likely will spot-start him and use him as a late-inning defensive replacement.

The lefthanded-hitting Thomas played 12 games with the Twins last year, all in April, batting .143 with 16 strikeouts in 29 plate appearances. He also played with the Detroit Tigers in 2008 and '09.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Twins designated lefthander Tyler Robertson for assignment. Robertson was on the Opening Day roster but sent to Rochester on April 6. He is 2-0 with a 3.05 ERA for the Red Wings but has issued 16 walks to go with 22 hits in 20â…” innings.

La VELLE E. NEAL III