MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -Minnesota outfielder Lew Ford was optioned to Triple-A Rochester after Saturday’s game, and the Twins planned to recall left-hander Carmen Cali to join the team on Sunday.
After missing the first five weeks of the season with a knee injury, Ford has been a disappointment for a team lacking production from their left fielders and designated hitters. He batted .232 with six doubles, three home runs and 14 RBIs in 49 games.
Ford, who turns 31 next week, has not given Minnesota much over the last three years, actually.
He batted .299 with 15 homers, 72 RBIs, 20 stolen bases and a .381 on-base percentage as the primary designated hitter in 2004. Thrust into regular duty in center field when Torii Hunter got hurt in 2005, Ford finished with only seven homers, 53 RBIs and a .264 average in 522 at-bats.
Last season, he hit only .226 in limited duty, and he’s been prone to mental mistakes on the field and on the bases, too.
Cali made eight appearances earlier this season with the Twins, posting a 5.40 ERA in 6 2-3 innings. He was 5-1 with a 2.45 ERA for Rochester. Cali gives manager Ron Gardenhire another left-handed option out of the bullpen behind Dennys Reyes.
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