Drew Rucinski, a journeyman righthander, was sent back to Rochester after a one-day stay with the Twins. Buddy Boshers, a journeyman lefthander, was the replacement. Rucinski has had two quick stays with the Twins and this will be the third for Boshers.
Jason Wheeler is a starter who was brought in as protection after Sunday's excruciating 15-inning death march vs. Tampa Bay. He's a big gent but doesn't throw hard.
There can't be another team in the major leagues with fewer mid-90s relievers than the Twins (two). And there can't be another team with relievers that feature as many fastballs in the 80s.
It is stupefying the Twins keep bringing in veteran deckhands such as Rucinski and Boshers to mop up lost causes rather than to take a look at prospects with live arms: righthanders Trevor Hildenberger and Alan Busenitz at Class AAA Rochester, and lefthander Mason Melotakis and righthander John Curtiss at Class AA Chattanooga.
PATRICK REUSSE
