Roster move
The Twins announced after the game that righthander Tyler Duffey had been optioned to Class AAA Rochester. Duffey threw four scoreless innings, over three outings, since being called up a week ago. That included a scoreless ninth inning on Friday.
Despite pitching effectively, the Twins are sending Duffey back and will announce his replacement on Saturday. I don't get this move. He hasn't thrown that much and could probably pitch Saturday if needed. The Twins might have something funky up their sleeves here. Stay tuned.
Next step for Mauer?
First baseman Joe Mauer went through pre-game drills again on Friday but the Twins appear to have no immediate plans to send him out on a minor league rehabilitation assignment just yet. Mauer has missed 20 games because of what began as a cervical strain but has turned into a concussion.
"We've talked about a lot of things," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "Mainly, we have to get a point where we have to decide one way or another (on a rehab assignment). We're not at that point."
Etc.
Righthander Ervin Santana, who has missed all 60 games while recovering from finger surgery, has started playing catch. He will try to throw off a mound on Thursday.
