Twins option Oliveros to Rochester, clearing room for Hendriks

MINNEAPOLIS -- Following a 5-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night the Minnesota Twins optioned right-hander Lester Oliveros to Triple-A Rochester. The move clears room for Liam Hendriks to make his return to the rotation on Saturday.

Manager Ron Gardenhire said after the game that the move was made out of a desire to keep 13 position players on the roster as the team prepares to embark on a National League road trip starting Tuesday.

"We can't afford to get rid of a position player right now," Gardenhire said. "He'll be back. We just can't do it. We can't keep that many pitchers right now."

Oliveros was called up on Wednesday to add bullpen depth after P.J. Walters left his start early.

Phil Mackey is a columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He co-hosts "Reusse & Mackey" weekdays from 4 to 6pm on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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