Thursday's Minor League Round-up

The biggest question coming into today's off day for the Twins was, "Who will fill the 25th spot on the roster?" I didn't believe we'd have an answer until tomorrow, but John broke the news this afternoon.

Matt Carson is definitely deserving of another shot in the majors. The case could be made for Chris Parmelee, but part of me believes that leaving him in Rochester had more to do with helping the Red Wings fight for a playoff spot and keeping those in Rochester happy than it had to do with Carson being the more obvious choice. That can obviously be dated in other places on this site.

[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]The intrigue now is speculating how the Twins make room on their 40-man roster. It's far-fetched to think the team would DFA someone on their current roster (such as Jeff Gray) because that would require a corresponding move.

ROCHESTER 2, INDIANAPOLIS 1 (10 innings)

Box score

Nothing but good things coming out of Rochester tonight.

The win puts the Red Wings at 65-61 and, in the "hard to believe" category, puts the team at four games over .500 since May 14, 2009. They have clawed back to 3.5 games out of the Wild Card and possess an IL-best 28-16 record since July 1.

Pedro Hernandez pitched seven strong innings, allowing only one run and striking out five. When the candidates for next year's rotation are discussed, Hernandez shouldn't be forgotten.

Luis Perdomo picked up the win by pitching three innings of two-hit, shutout ball.

Nishi, Clete Thomas and Eduardo Escobar all had multi-hit games. Thomas is 10-for-24 (.417) over his last six games. Escobar tripled after being in a six-game tailspin.

Wilkin Ramirez's walk-off single was the Red Wings fifth of the year.

NEW BRITAIN 1 , RICHMOND 3

Box score

Andrew Albers was activated to make the start tonight. This is coming on the heels of the Rockcats using two of their "starters" in relief last night. With the addition of both David Bromberg and Luke French, though, there are other rotation options. There was no corresponding move announced, so I have the Rockcats roster at 26 for now.

Albers pitched okay in his return, scattering nine hits over five innings. He allowed three runs.

Matt Hauser and Edgar Ibarra combined to pitch four shutout innings.

There wasn't a lot of offense for the Rockcats tonight. The team only combined for five hits (singles by Hanson, Colabello and Tosoni and doubles by Hicks and Romero) and one run (a Colabello RBI). Aaron Hicks stole his 28th base.

FT. MYERS 7, JUPITER 12

Box score

What a kick in the shorts tonight in Jupiter.

The Miracle hung a seven on the Hammerheads in the top of the first, more run support than Carl Pavano would need in his rehab appearance. Unfortunately, they gave it all back - and more - when Pavano left the game.

First, on Pavano: reports were that he was sitting in the mid-80s with his fastball. That isn't good. Pavano will want to continue trying to get back - and I'd bet the Twins will let him - but if you're holding the proverbial fork... well, I think you know where I'm going with this one.

Anyway, Cole Nelson gave up five hits and four walks and didn't get anybody out. By the time the bleeding stopped, 11 runners had crossed the plate in the home half of the fourth and the Miracle bats went completely silent after that.

Lance Ray had three hits (one double) and drove two in. Danny Santana, Levi Michael and Steve Liddle all had two hits. Jonathan Goncalves had a double and two RBI.

BELOIT 5, WISCONSIN 6

Box score

The comeback fell one run short in the ninth.

Jason Wheeler didn't have his typical stuff - or at least get typical results. He only struck out three and gave up 10 hits in six innings.

The bullpen duo of Steven Gruver and DJ Baxendale went three scoreless innings.

Drew Leachman had three hits, including a double. Nate Roberts and Eddie Rosario each had two hits. Miguel Sano added a double.

Jairo Rodriguez left the game, so backup catcher/in-game DH Matt Koch had to go behind the plate, making the pitcher's spot come up in the lineup. This, also known as "Gardy's Worst Nightmare", forced the team to use it's bench completely.

ELIZABETHTON 7, BLUEFIELD 3

ELIZABETHTON 4, BLUEFIELD 6

Game 1

Game 2

The E-Twins split today, here's the most important things that happened in today's 14 innings:

Byron Buxton's lone hit of the two games was a double. His average is down to .219.

Max Kepler was pinch-hit for in Game 1, but came back with two hits (one double) in Game 2.

Adam Walker hit another home run. Travis Harrison had a triple.

Hudson Boyd pitched four solid innings, striking out three.

Angel Mata got roughed-up, two hits and four walks in three innings.

GCL TWINS 2, GCL RAYS 3 (10 innings)

Box score

Aussie Logan Wade's 2-run home run in the 8th gave the GCL Twins the lead. He also added a double. The bullpen blew it in extras.

Dereck Rodriguez also doubled.

Andre Martinez and Sam Gibbons both went four innings. Both struck out three and had WHIPs of 1.

Melciades DeLaCruz gave up the tying run in the ninth and the winning run in the 10th.

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Players of the Day for Thursday, August 16, 2012

Pitcher of the Day – Pedro Hernandez

bleacherreport

Hitters of the Day – Lance Ray

milb.com

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A Look Ahead – Friday, August 17, 2012 Schedule

Rochester vs Indianapolis – RHP Liam Hendriks (9-2, 1.99)

New Britain at Portland – TBA

Fort Myers at Palm Beach – TBA

Beloit vs Wisconsin – RHP Tyler Jones (3-4, 5.25)

Elizabethton vs Kingsport – TBA

GCL Twins at GCL Red Sox – TBA

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If you have any questions on the Twins minor league system, players, teams, etc., leave them in the Comments and we’ll try to answer them! Comments also welcome.