The Twins returned Scott Baker to the 15-day disabled list Tuesday because of a strained flexor muscle in his right elbow and announced that they'll recall Kevin Slowey from Class AAA Rochester.
Slowey will join the team in Cleveland on Friday and start Sunday's game against the Indians. It will be his first major league start since Sept. 27, 2010.
Manager Ron Gardenhire and pitching coach Rick Anderson met with Anthony Swarzak to let him know he'll be staying in long relief for now. Swarzak is 2-2 with a 3.16 ERA in five starts this year but also has been a valuable reliever.
Slowey landed on the disabled list twice after stints in the bullpen and made it clear he'd rather start. In 82 career starts, he is 39-21 with a 4.41 ERA.
"Honestly, when you've got a pitcher down there like Slowey, who's throwing the ball well and healthy ... this is the right thing," Gardenhire said. "Just bring Slowey up, slide him into the rotation, keep Swarzy where he's done really well."
Baker, who was on the disabled list because of the same injury last month, won't do any throwing until at least Aug. 18, when the Twins return home from their next road trip.
Rehab for Gibson, Slama Class AAA Rochester pitchers Kyle Gibson and Anthony Slama will be rehabbing their respective right elbow injuries and avoiding surgery -- for now.
With Gibson, the Twins diagnosed a strained flexor muscle and a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament. Slama got a diagnosis of a strained flexor muscle.