Twins call up former UK pitcher Taylor Rogers to majors for first time

The Minnesota Twins promoted former University of Kentucky pitcher Taylor Rogers to their major league roster on Wednesday. He takes the place of reliever Glen Perkins, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left shoulder strain, the team reported.

Rogers, a lefthander reaching the majors for the first time, had been a starter throughout the minor leagues before switching to the bullpen this spring. The 25-year-old had made one appearance this season for Triple-A Rochester, giving up one hit and one walk with one strikeout in two shutout innings. He was 0-1 with a 3.52 ERA in 7 2/3 innings with the Twins during spring training.

Rochester’s website reported that Rogers will be with the Twins and available to make his major league debut on Wednesday night against the Chicago White Sox.

Rogers’ career numbers in the minor leagues include 37 wins, 28 losses, a 3.27 ERA and 407 strikeouts in 525 innings. The Littleton, Colo., native pitched at Kentucky from 2010 to 2012.

Rogers’ move to the majors gives UK five players on big-league rosters. The others are the Cleveland Indians’ Collin Cowgill and Jason Kipnis, the Colorado Rockies’ Chris Rusin and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Joe Blanton.

This story was originally published April 13, 2016 at 12:51 PM with the headline "Twins call up former UK pitcher Taylor Rogers to majors for first time."