After throwing six strong innings to pick up his second victory of the season on Saturday against Kansas City, the Minnesota Twins optioned starting pitcher Cole De Vries back to Triple-A Rochester shortly after the game.
The #MNTwins have returned tonights starter & winner RHP Cole De Vries to Triple-A Rochester. Roster back to 25.
— Dustin Morse (@Twins_morsecode) July 1, 2012
Called up on Friday specifically to pitch Saturday's nightcap, De Vries served more than admirably in his role as the team's 26th man for the doubleheader. A new provision added by Major League Baseball before the start of the 2012 season, teams are now permitted to add an extra player as a roster exception for doubleheader situations, a nice benefit that afforded the Twins the chance to snatch De Vries up from Triple-A.
While he was initially hopeful that a strong outing could keep him in the big leagues for a while, the 27-year-old right-hander clearly made an impression in Saturday's start. His ability to step in for a one-game situation could prove vital down the road as well, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him back with the Twins in a more established role before the year is out.
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