Twins reinstate Pineda and Buxton, option Wade Jr.; Minaya designated for assignment
Minnesota Twins pitcher Michael Pineda throws against the Texas Rangers in the first inning.[AP/Jim Mone]
The Minnesota Twins on Tuesday announced that pitcher Michael Pineda and outfielder Byron Buxton had been reinstated.
Pineda, who last pitched on Sept. 6, 2019, had been on the Restricted List while he served a 60-game suspension for violating MLB’s joint drug prevention and treatment program. The 31-year-old resigned with the Twins in the offseason after going 11-5 with a 4.01 ERA in 146 innings pitched last season with 140 strikeouts and 28 walks. In his final 11 starts, he went 7-1 with a 2.76 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 65.1 innings pitched.
Buxton, who was on the 10-day Injured List, has missed the past 11 games for the Twins with left shoulder inflammation. In the 21 games, he’s played this season, Buxton has hit .221 with five home runs, 12 RBI and a .681 OPS. In the 14 games before his injury, he posted a .835 OPS and .580 slugging percentage with 10 RBI.
To make room on the roster, the Twins optioned LaMonte Wade Jr. to the team’s alternate training site and designated pitcher Juan Minaya for release or assignment. Wade has hit .200 in seven games this season while Minaya didn’t make an appearance for the Twins this season.