CLEVELAND — Minnesota right-hander Mike Pelfrey has been scratched from Sunday's start against Cleveland because of back strain and placed on the 15-day disabled list.
His back stiffened while running during batting practice Saturday. Pelfrey is 3-6 with a 6.11 ERA in 14 starts.
Left-hander Pedro Hernandez has been called up from Triple-A Rochester and will pitch instead. He drove from Louisville, Ky., where Rochester is playing and arrived in Cleveland at 4 a.m. Sunday.
He has made eight appearances with the Twins this season, going 2-1 with a 5.85 ERA. Hernandez started against the Indians on May 3 and allowed five runs in 5 1-3 innings in a no-decision.
