Twins make final decisions: Herrmann stays; Pinto sent down

The Twins settled on their 25-man Opening Day roster Thursday.

They optioned catcher Josmil Pinto to Class AAA Rochester and reassigned catcher Eric Fryer to the minor league camp.

Infielder Doug Bernier will remain in camp, but has been told he will be sent to the minors as well.

That means that Chris Herrmann makes the team as the backup catcher.

''It's something I've never felt ever before,'' Herrmann, 27, said. ''I've been called up and down several times, and those are great feelings. But this one is special because I have been working hard to get to where I am.''

Herrmann's versatility — he also can play first base and the corner outfield spots — played a factor in him staying.

''He can do a couple other things for us if need be,'' manager Paul Molitor said.

The life of a reliever includes pitching on many back-to-back days. The Twins, in order to prepare them, will use some of their relievers in multiple games over the final days of camp.

Glen Perkins pitched Tuesday and Wednesday. Casey Fien and Tim Stauffer are also scheduled to appear in back-to-back games before camp breaks.

Perkins also needs the innings because he missed time because of a slight right oblique strain. He's thrown six innings in major league spring training games, plus two more innings in minor league games.

Twins manager Paul Molitor said Perkins is starting to get in form.

"It's nice that he's experienced enough to not feel like it is going to be a huge issue for him,'' Molitor said. "We have seen improvement, whether it is crispness, having a little extra when he's needed it. The breaking ball has been sharper.''

Robinson won't form a true platoon with Jordan Schafer in center but will fill in at all three outfield spots and give Torii Hunter an occasional break in right field.

The Twins' 40-man roster is full now.

Here are the probable pitching matchups for the Twins' first two series of the regular season.

At Detroit: Monday, Phil Hughes vs. David Price; Wednesday, Ervin Santana vs. Anibal Sanchez; Thursday, Ricky Nolasco vs. Shane Greene.

At Chicago: April 10, Kyle Gibson vs. Hector Noesi; April 11, Tommy Milone vs. Jeff Samardzija; April 12, Hughes vs. TBA.

Nolasco will make his final start of spring training on Friday when he faces the Red Sox at JetBlue Park. Lefthander Brian Johnson will start for Boston. Mike Pelfrey, warming up to a new bullpen role, will pitch two innings.