Righthander Blaine Boyer took another step toward returning to the Twins when he threw in the bullpen at Target Field.
Everything went well, according to Twins director of communications Dustin Morse, as Boyer appears to have recovered from the sore elbow that landed him on the 15-day disabled list. The next move is up to the Twins.
They needed eight pitchers — including starter Tommy Milone filling in as a closer — to finish off Sunday's 4-3, 12-inning victory at Baltimore. Monday was a scheduled off day, but the Twins might still want a fresh arm and could activate Boyer. They could also opt to send him on a brief minor league rehabilitation assignment to make sure he's ready.
The Twins also have four lefthanded relievers and might decide to add a righthander.
Boyer had a run of 22 games early this season in which he posted a 0.38 ERA. Since June 5, he has a 4.15 ERA.
Eager to return
A couple Twins players are looking forward to returning to Tampa Bay.
Righthander Kevin Jepsen was traded to the Twins by the Rays on July 31 for two minor league pitchers. Jepsen has a 1.69 ERA since joining the Twins, giving up two runs in his first outing but none in 11 games since.
Outfielder Shane Robinson will have a few family members and friends at the games. Robinson was born in Tampa and was a star at Tampa Jesuit High School, the same school that produced former Twins righthander Brad Radke and former big league player and manager Lou Piniella.
La VELLE E. NEAL III
