Former UK pitcher Alex Meyer headed back to majors with Twins

Alex Meyer is getting another shot with the Minnesota Twins.

Meyer, the hard-throwing right-hander out of the University of Kentucky, was called up from Triple-A Rochester. With the team’s bullpen depleted following a 16-inning loss to Washington on Sunday, the Twins needed reinforcements. And Meyer, who has been starting for the Red Wings, can pitch in short or long relief.

Meyer, the Twins’ No. 11 prospect according to MLB.com, failed to impress during spring training (5.79 ERA) and was cut midway through camp.

The Twins needed a starter at Rochester and moved Meyer into the role. He responded by posting a 1-1 record with a 1.04 ERA in three outings, including two starts. He had 19 strikeouts and four walks in 17 1/3 innings.

Meyer has an upper-90s fastball and good slider.

He made two appearances covering 2 2/3 innings with the Twins last season. He gave up five runs, including two homers, and had a 16.88 ERA.

This story was originally published April 25, 2016 at 2:10 PM with the headline "Former UK pitcher Alex Meyer headed back to majors with Twins."