Eric Hacker optioned, Anthony Swarzak summoned to start Thursday
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MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Twins have optioned right-hander Eric Hacker to Triple-A Rochester in order to clear room for right-hander Anthony Swarzak, who has been called up to start Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader.
Hacker was originally scheduled to start in the doubleheader, but that plan changed when Francisco Liriano was chased from Wednesday night's game after only three-plus innings. Hacker threw 79 pitches in relief, and the Twins needed his roster spot immediately for extra pitching depth after Carl Pavano (flu) was pushed back to Sunday.
Swarzak will make his Thursday start on short rest. The right-hander threw 86 pitches on Sunday against Pawtucket, allowing seven runs on eight hits in just 4 2/3 innings.
Swarzak has posted a 4.42 ERA in 256 2/3 career Triple-A innings, walking 79 while striking out 154. The right-hander started 12 games for the Twins in 2009, posting a 6.25 ERA with 34 strikeouts, 20 walks and 12 home runs allowed in 59 innings.
