Minnesota Twins Roster Moves: Matt Maloney Joins Triple-A Rochester After Clearing Waivers

The struggles of Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Matt Maloney has been well documented this season, and the lefty will get his chance to sort out his issues with the Rochester Red Wings, the Twins Triple-A affiliate. A few days after being designated for assignment, Maloney cleared waivers Saturday and will now join the International League member.

In nine appearances with the Twins this season, Maloney compiled an ERA of 8.18 -- making it not a huge surprise not one of the other 29 MLB teams claimed him.

Maloney, who allowed 10 earned runs in just 11 innings of work, was replaced on the roster by former Red Winger P.J. Walters, who is set to make his first start in the big leagues since 2010 on Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays (6:10 p.m. CT).

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Twins Roster Moves: Francisco Liriano Moved To Bullpen To Shake Things Up

Francisco Liriano has struggled immensely this season, unfortunately, and the Minnesota Twins have finally decided to make a change with their former ace. There's no telling if it'll help, of course, but it certainly shouldn't hurt.

The Twins announced after Wednesday night's loss that Liriano is moving to the bullpen, being replaced by recent call-up P.J. Walters in the rotation. Walters 3-1 in Rochester with a 2.70 ERA, but the move is more important from the Liriano perspective.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire told Fox Sports North on Tuesday night that Liriano took the news in stride.

"Frankie said, ‘Whatever you need me to do.' He made sure that he told (pitching coach Rick Anderson) and I that he understood, and that he's not upset about it, and he wants to help the baseball team any way he can," Gardenhire said. "We just gotta get him right. We've got to get him into some situations to try and get him some success."

The plan is to let Liriano get his confidence back up and, eventually, get him back into the rotation.

"He has the best arm on this team and we need to get him some confidence going, get some quality innings out of him, maybe help us win a few ballgames out of the bullpen right now. Eventually we're going to need him as a starter."

Hopefully this works out.

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Danny Valencia Optioned To Triple-A, Matt Maloney Designated For Assignment

Immediately following their 6-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night, the Minnesota Twins made the following roster moves:

#Twins option Valencia to AAA, designate Maloney for assignment.Will recall OF Darin Mastroianni and select contract of RHP P.J. Walters.

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) May 10, 2012

Danny Valencia was 0-4 in the series finale and is now hitless in his last 25 at bats (although he did have one of the Twins' two runs batted in). He was hitting .198/.212/.514 entering Wednesday night's contest.

The Twins have indicated that they will use a combination of Alexi Casilla, Jamey Carroll and Trevor Plouffe at third base while Valencia is figuring things out in Triple-A.

Matt Maloney had an 8.18 ERA in nine appearances before getting designated for assignment.

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Twins Vs. Angels Final Score: Carl Pavano Touched Up In 6-2 Loss

After one of their best games of the season on Tuesday, the Minnesota Twins found themselves back in the loser's column on Wednesday night, falling in the series finale to the Los Angeles Angels, 6-2.

Carl Pavano had his shortest outing this year in the loss, only lasting four innings while giving up 10 hits and five runs. Ervin Santana went seven-plus for the Angels in his second straight quality start.

The Angels racked up 14 hits, including seven from the top of the Angels order. Yes, even some contributions from Albert Pujols, who had just his second two-hit game of the season and improved his batting average to .198.

The Twins' runs batted in came off the bats of Danny Valencia (0-4) and Josh Willingham (2-4).

The Twins continue their nine-game homestand on Thursday when they start a four-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays.

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Twins Vs. Angels: Starting Lineups For Wednesday Night

Coming off of a 5-0 win on Tuesday night, the Minnesota Twins will look to win their second series of this young season when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night. After dropping the first game of the three-game set by a score of 8-3, the Twins will look to tie together consecutive wins for only the second time this season.

Here is the projected starting lineups for Wednesday night per the teams' respective twitter accounts:

Minnesota

1. Denard Span, Centerfield

2. Brian Dozier, Short Stop

3. Joe Mauer, First Base

4. Josh Willingham, Left Field

5. Ryan Doumit, Designated Hitter

6. Danny Valencia, Third Base

7. Erik Komatsu, Right Field

8. Drew Butera, Catcher

9. Jamey Carroll, Second Base

Starting Pitcher: Carl Pavano; 2-2, 4.62 ERA

Los Angeles Angels

1. Mike Trout, Center Field

2. Alberto Callapso, Third Base

3. Albert Pujols, First Base

4. Kendrys Morales, Designated Hitter

5. Torii Hunter, Right Field

6. Howard Kendrick, Second Base

7. Vernon Wells, Left FIeld

8. Erick Aybar, Short Stop

9. Bobby Wilson, Catcher

Starting Pitcher: Ervin Santana; 0-6, 5.59 ERA

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Twins Vs. Angels Preview: Minnesota Goes For Two-Straight And A Series Win

The Minnesota Twins started get things back on the right track in their last outing, snapping a three-game losing streak overall and a four-game losing streak to the Los Angeles Angels that saw them swept in their last series. It also saw them drop game one of the present three-game set by a score of 8-3. That's behind them now though, with a 5-0 win in their last outing in which Scott Diamond went seven innings and picked up the win.

It also snapped a three-game winning streak by the Angels, and was Minnesota's third win over their last 15 games. So they've still got a long way to go until they're feeling good about where they're at. Minnesota is hoping for another strong hitting performance this game, after turning in their best game of the season in that regard in the aforementioned win on Tuesday.

They had 12 hits on the night, good for five runs. Ryan Doumit had a two-run homer in the first inning. This time out, they'll try and shell Ervin Santana, who is 0-6 on the season with a 5.59 earned run average. His last appearance wasn't bad though, giving up three runs over eight innings pitched against Toronto.

He'll be up against Carl Pavano, who is slightly better at 2-2 with a 4.62 ERA, which includes a win over Seattle on May 4 in which he tossed six innings, giving up two runs. The game is set for 8:10 p.m. ET.

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Twins Vs. Angels Final Score: Scott Diamond Tosses Gem In Minnesota's 5-0 Win

The Minnesota Twins finally picked up a game against the Los Angeles Angels, 5-0, after being swept by LA last week and losing the series opener on Monday night.

The Twins broke up the Angels' 13-game quality start streak and started their own with Triple-A call up Scott Diamond, who went seven innings and struck out six in his first start this season after seven relatively unsuccessful starts last season. Diamond picked up the win.

The Twins got all the runs they would need in the first with an RBI double by Josh Willingham and a two-run homer off the bat of Ryan Doumit. They would add two more off Dan Haren, who only lasted 3.2 innings, and coast from there behind Diamond, Jared Burton and Matt Capps.

The Twins and Angels close out their three-game series on Wednesday night at 7:10 p.m. CT.

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Twins Vs. Angels: Minnesota Bats End Los Angeles' Quality Starts Streak

In a bit of irony, the Minnesota Twins -- who were no-hit and swept by the Angels last week and had just six hits in the series opener on Monday night -- have used their bats on Tuesday night to end an impressive streak held by the Angels' starting rotation:

Twins take a 4-0 lead in the 4th -- stopping a streak of 13 straight quality starts by the Angels.

— Dave Campbell (@DaveCampbellAP) May 9, 2012

Through six innings, the Twins are up 5-0 and have banged out 12 hits. Five hitters have two hits and they're playing without Denard Span, too, who is sitting this one out after running into the wall during Monday night's loss. Danny Valencia and Span's replacement are the only two hitters without a hit.

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Twins Vs. Angels Starting Lineups: Outfielder Erik Komatsu Elevated To Leadoff Spot Vs. Dan Haren

The Minnesota Twins will be desperate to stop the bleeding on Tuesday night at Target Field, as Albert Pujols and the Los Angeles Angels will look to take the three-game series following Monday's 8-3 win.

Exasperated by his club and hoping to spark something offensively, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire has opted to slate outfielder Erik Komatsu in the leadoff spot to face Angels' starter Dan Haren. The 24-year-old rookie went 2-for-4 against Los Angeles' fellow ace Jered Weaver on Monday, but is hitting just .204 with zero RBI on the season. For the Twins, recently called up left-hander Scott Diamond will make the first start of 2012 after going 1-5 with a 1.74 WHIP in seven starts last season.

Here are the full lineups for Tuesday's game (8:10 pm ET):

Twins
1. Erik Komatsu - CF
2. Brian Dozier - SS
3. Joe Mauer - 1B
4. Josh Willingham - LF
5. Ryan Doumit - DH
6. Danny Valencia - 3B
7. Trevor Plouffe - RF
8. Drew Butera - C
9. Jamey Carroll - 2B
Scott Diamond - SP

Angels
1. Mike Trout - CF
2. Alberto Callaspo - 3B
3. Albert Pujols - 1B
4. Torii Hunter - RF
5. Mark Trumbo - DH
6. Howie Kendrick - 2B
7. Vernon Wells - LF
8. Erick Aybar - SS
9. Chris Iannetta - C
Dan Haren - SP

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Twins Enter Realm Of Absurd, Writes Star Tribune's Jim Souhan

Now that the Minnesota Twins own the league's worst record by a full two games, Star Tribune writer Jim Souhan went ahead and sounded off of what he say will be a long season.

Not that the Twins' struggles constitutes breaking news. But they're starting to distinguish themselves.

For instance: The Kansas City Royals, who have already suffered through a 10-game home losing streak, are two games ahead of the Twins (KC is 9-19 and Minnesota is 7-21). The Twins have also been no-hit, and Justin Morneau is back on the DL, and Francisco Liriano has a 9.45 ERA, and things are bleak.

Souhan doesn't sugarcoat anything in his Tuesday column:

Erik Komatsu, the Twins' new outfielder, thwarted history. His single off the Angels' Jered Weaver prevented Weaver from pitching a second consecutive no-hitter against the Twins, and it has been weeks since a pitcher has thrown consecutive no-hitters against the Twins.

For smacking a third-inning single up the middle, Komatsu received a standing ovation. It was like watching a crowd cheer for a valet.

Then, in the top of the ninth, with the Twins within two runs in a game they would lose 8-3, Twins reliever Glen Perkins tried to pick off a runner, and his throw instead almost hit Parmelee in the temple.

What was ugly has turned absurd.

Unfortunately, the Twins' schedule has, according to the numbers, been weak so far. They are currently player their third series against the Los Angeles Angels, who at 13-17 are the worst team in the AL West, and have also had series against the Seattle Mariners (14-17) and Royals.

Tuesday's game starts at 7:10 Central.

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Twins Vs. Angels: Scott Diamond Takes Hill For First Start Of Season

It'll be a Triple-A call-up versus a three-time All-Star. But hey, at least Jered Weaver is unavailable.

The Minnesota Twins will host the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday in Game 2 of a three-game series.

And while Weaver, who no-hit the Twins earlier in the season and once again made them look bad Monday, may be out, Minnesota still has to go up against three-time All-Star Dan Haren.

Since getting tagged in his season debut, Haren, 1-2, has returned to form. He's given up just seven earned runs over his last four starts and wilted his ERA from 8.44 to 3.43.

The Twins will counter with Scott Diamond, a lefty making his first start of the season. Diamond, who was 1-5 in seven starts in the majors last seasons, was summoned from Triple-A when Liam Hendriks got sent down. In six Triple-A starts this season, Diamond had a 2.60 ERA and was 4-1.

The Twins' 3-9 home record is the second-worst in the majors, behind only the Kansas City Royals and their record-setting home futility.

The Twins are currently last in the AL Central at 7-21.

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Twins Vs. Angels Final Score: Minnesota Collects 6 Hits, But Lose To Jered Weaver Again

Just last week, Jered Weaver and the Los Angeles Angels no-hit the Minnesota Twins. It wasn't a no-hitter on Monday night, but another gem from Weaver helped the Angels by the Twins again, 8-3.

The Angels jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first four innings behind an RBI from Albert Pujols in the first, a two-run homer by Alberto Callaspo in the third and a Peter Bourjos sac fly in the fourth.

Down 5-1 in the eighth inning, the Twins scored two on a Joe Mauer single and a Ryan Doumit sac fly, but any chance of completing the comeback in the bottom of the ninth was dashed when the Angels put up a three-spot in the top half off Glen Perkins.

Jered Weaver improved to 5-0 on the season and now boasts a 1.60 ERA after going six shutout innings for the Angels.

The Twins and Angels will continue their three-game series on Tuesday at 8:10 p.m. ET.

For more on the Minnesota Twins, head over to Twinkie Town. More news and information on Major League Baseball in general can be found at Baseball Nation.

Josh Willingham Out Due To Illness For Twins Vs. Angels Game

The Minnesota Twins have struggled plenty this season and, unfortunately, it doesn't look like that streak is going to end anytime soon. The team will play Jered Weaver again on Monday night without slugger Josh Willingham -- a bad omen considering Weaver threw a no-hitter against Minnesota last week.

Willingham apparently caught the flu, according to various media reports, which is why he's found himself on the bench. There's a possibility, though, that he could find himself inserted into the lineup later in the game if the right situation arises.

Willingham has a flu bug. Might be available off the bench if he starts feeling better.

— JoeChristensen (@JoeCStrib) May 7, 2012

Considering there's a possibility he plays Monday night, this isn't terrible news -- but it isn't good, either, considering the havoc Weaver caused last week.

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Twins Roster Moves: Minnesota Swaps Liam Hendriks For Scott Diamond

Ahead of their upcoming series against the LA Angels, the Minnesota Twins have made a couple of roster moves to boost their pitching. The pitching faltered as the Twins lost their last series against the Mariners and Liam Hendriks in particular has been a bit too wild. As such, the Twins announced on Sunday that they are sending Hendriks down to AAA and bringing up lefty Scott Diamond.

In four starts so far this year, the 23 year old Australian has had an awful 9.00 ERA and 0-2 record. Going down to AAA, he is looking to regain control of the fastball that got him voted the 2011 Minor League Pitcher of the Year and earned him the place in the starting rotation this season in the first place:

"I started to get away from my strengths and tried to get away from hitters, which I've never done in my career," Hendriks said. "I'll go back down there and try to find what got me here. I'm fine with confidence, and I'm feeling like I'm strong and feeling like I can go out there and beat people, it's just I'm going about it the wrong way.

Diamond is expected to get the start for the Twins on Tuesday for game two of their series against the Angels.

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What Can We Expect From Brian Dozier?

The Twins are calling up their first real shortstop prospect in years. As fans, what should we expect?

Twins Vs. Angels: Minnesota Faces Familiar Foe In New Series

The Minnesota Twins will start a three game set with the LA Angels with Jered Weaver on the mound, fresh from a no hitter against the Twins his last time starting.