Pat Neshek off DL, headed to Rochester

Reliever Pat Neshek finally is off the disabled list, but he's not rejoining the Minnesota Twins.

Instead, Neshek -- who had been on the DL retroactive to April 29 with inflammation in a finger on his throwing hand -- was sent to Class-AAA Rochester on Saturday after making two rehabilitation appearances last week with Class-A Fort Myers.

"He's just like everyone else in the minor leagues now," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said, according to MLB.com. "He's got to pitch his way back up. When there's a need, he'll get an opportunity -- if he's the one throwing the ball good."

Neshek got roughed up at Fort Myers, allowing three runs on three hits in two innings (13.50 ERA). Now, he apparently has plenty of work ahead to prove he's healthy and effective before getting consideration for returning to the big-league squad.

Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor and columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights and co-hosts from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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