Twins reinstate Buxton, Pineda to 28-man roster

As Minnesota continues its important three-game series with division rival Chicago, the Twins are getting a couple of starters — one outfielder and one pitcher — back in the mix.

Minnesota reinstated Byron Buxton from the 10-day injured list and Michael Pineda from the restricted list on Tuesday afternoon. To make room on the roster, the Twins optioned outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. to the alternative training site and designated right-hander Juan Minaya for release or assignment.

Pineda will make his return to the mound as the starting pitcher Tuesday night after serving a 60-game suspension for violation of MLB’s drug policy.  The 60-game penalty resulted in 21 regular-season and three postseason contests last year as well as the opening 36 games of 2020.

Pineda’s last start came on Sept. 6 when he allowed just one run in six innings of work during a 6-2 loss to Cleveland. In 26 starts for the Twins last year, Pineda registered an 11-5 record, 4.01 ERA and 8.6 K/9. He went 5-1 with a 3.04 ERA and logged 56 strikeouts in nine starts (53 1/3 innings) after the All-Star break.

Buxton is batting .221/.225/.456 for the Twins this season with one double, five homers and 12 RBI in 21 games. He missed 11 contests while being on the 10-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation.