MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have moved struggling right-hander Nick Blackburn into the bullpen, and left-hander Brian Duensing will take his place in the rotation.
Acting manager Scott Ullger made the announcement before Wednesday afternoon’s game. Manager Ron Gardenhire was not at the ballpark, tending to a family matter.
Ullger insisted the move is temporary, to give Blackburn a mental break. Duensing will start Friday.
The Twins won eight of Blackburn’s first nine starts, and he was 5-0 with a 2.65 ERA in May. In the nine starts since, he’s 1-6 with a 9.88 ERA and 11 home runs allowed.
Duensing has a 1.67 ERA in 43 innings, all in relief. He made nine starts last season.
