Dillon Gee is getting his chance. The Twins are calling up the right-hander from Class AAA Rochester to fill one of two openings on the 25-man roster following the trades of Jaime Garcia and Brandon Kintzler.
Byron Buxton was activated after missing 14 games because of a groin strain, and will take the other opening. The center fielder was on rehab assignment in Rochester.
Gee, 31, was signed as a minor league free agent on June 22, but was called up immediately when the Twins were low on bodies. He never pitched, and was sent back to Rochester. He's 3-1 with a 2.00 ERA in five starts with the Rochester. The numbers look great, but his command has been shaky at times. Still, the Twins are giving Gee a shot instead of recalling Kyle Gibson.
Once Gee appears in a game _ the Twins could use a starter on Thursday against Texas _ the Twins will set a team record by using 30 pitchers this season.
Rookie center fielder Zack Granite gets to stick around for a while longer. He's far from the defensive player Buxton is and has zero power, but takes good at bats.
After enjoying an off day on Monday _ many players and staff spent some of the time visiting the NAB Coronado, home of SEAL training _ the Twins begin a two-game series against the Padres tonight at 9:05.
