Twins recall Diego Castillo and Michael Helman

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have recalled right-handed pitcher Diego Castillo and utility player Michael Helman.

Castillo has appeared in six games over two stints with the Twins this season, posting a 2.25 ERA (8.0 IP, 2 ER) with seven walks, four strikeouts and a .200 opponent batting average. He made 40 relief appearances for Triple-A St. Paul this season, going 0-5 with a 5.59 ERA (37.0 IP, 23 ER), eight saves, 25 walks and 42 strikeouts.

Helman played in seven games for the Twins from September 3-10, hitting .375 (3-for-8) with two doubles and two runs scored. He played in 72 games for St. Paul this season, hitting .271 (75-for-277) with 18 doubles, 14 home runs, 47 RBI, 49 runs scored, 29 walks, 12 stolen bases, a .350 on-base percentage and an .837 OPS.

To make room for Castillo and Helman on the 28-man roster, the Twins have placed infielder Jose Miranda on the 10-day Injured List with a low back strain (retroactive to September 25) and have optioned left-handed pitcher Kody Funderburk. Miranda played in 121 games for Minnesota this season, hitting .284 (114-for-401) with 28 doubles, four triples, nine home runs, 49 RBI and a .763 OPS. Funderburk, who was recalled yesterday, appeared in last night’s game against the Orioles, pitching 1.0 inning.