TORONTO – The Twins' eight-man bullpen isn't working out lately. So the Twins are going to try it with nine.
A.J. Achter was recalled from Class AAA Rochester after Thursday's 9-3 loss to the Blue Jays, swelling the Twins' relief corps to nine, at least temporarily. Achter, a righthanded reliever with a 2.82 ERA and 14 saves for the Red Wings, will meet the team in Cleveland.
Tyler Duffey, who lasted only two innings in his major league debut on Wednesday, was returned to Rochester.
The enlarged bullpen figures to last about a week, until the Twins need a fifth starter on Aug. 15. Monday's off day will allow the Twins to start Kyle Gibson on Tuesday, pushing back any decision about the rotation for nine days. Tommy Milone, on the disabled list with a mildly sprained elbow, is eligible to return Aug. 16.
Meanwhile, the Twins also exchanged backup catchers once again, recalling Chris Herrmann from Rochester and designating Eric Fryer for assignment.
This will be Achter's second stint in the majors; the Michigan State alum, a 46th-round draft choice in 2010, posted a 3.27 ERA in 11 innings as a September call-up last year. He was an International League All-Star this season, though, and has held Class AAA hitters to a .167 average.
Herrmann was demoted in early June after batting just .156 as Kurt Suzuki's backup, but Fryer fared no better. He hit .167 in seven games and struck out 10 times in his last 11 plate appearances.
Pinto makes progress
Josmil Pinto, who has missed two months after suffering a concussion with Rochester, has experienced no symptoms for an extended amount of time and could be back in the Red Wings' lineup within the next few days, the Twins believe.