Ayala designated for assignment, Keppel called up
Luis Ayala, who has struggled in the Twins bullpen as of late, has been designated for assignment by the organization. Ayala was brought in during the off-season and has had his share of difficulties on the mound, the last of which being a two out solo home run off the bat of Lance Berkman in Saturday’s 6-5 loss to the Houston Astros.
Ayala had an ERA of 4.18 this year with the Twins and pitched 32 1/3 innings in his 28 appearances. Ayala gave up 18 runs, 15 earned, off of 38 hits with 21 strike outs and eight walks. Four of the 38 hits were home runs. The Twins haven’t stated what will be done with Ayala but he has been removed from the 40-man roster and will either be put on waivers, traded or released.
Bobby Keppel has been called up to take Ayala’s place on the roster and will be joining the Twins bullpen in Milwaukee. The right-handed pitcher had been used in the starting rotation in Rochester but was originally used as a reliever. He posted a 2.43 ERA in 23 appearances in Triple-A. Keppel gave up 18 runs, 15 earned, off of 51 hits in 55 2/3 inning pitched. He has 28 strike outs, 13 walks and only gave up one home run.
Keppel made his MLB debut in 2006 with the Kansas City Royals. He was last seen playing for the Colorado Rockies in 2007 before signing a minor league contract with the Twins in 2008. Keppel had a clause in his contract that stated he would become a free agent if he wasn’t added to the Major League roster by July 1st.
Comments
Got something to say?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
