Twins return Jorge Alcala from rehab assignment, reinstate from 60-day injured list

DENVER, CO – The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have returned right-handed pitcher Jorge Alcala from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 60-day Injured List.

Alcala, who was originally placed on the 15-day Injured List on May 16 with a right forearm extensor muscle strain, appeared in five games on rehab assignment in September with Low-A Fort Myers, Double-A Wichita and Triple-A St. Paul, combining to allow two runs on four hits (1 HR) in 6.0 innings pitched (3.00 ERA), with one walk and 10 strikeouts. Prior to landing on the Injured List, the right-hander made 10 relief appearances for the Twins, going 0-1 with a 6.46 ERA (15.1 IP, 11 ER), eight walks and 12 strikeouts.

To make room for Alcala on the 28-man and 40-man rosters, the Twins placed left-handed pitcher Dallas Keuchel on the 15-day Injured List with a right calf strain. Keuchel appeared in 10 games (6 starts) for the Twins, going 2-1 with a 5.97 ERA (37.2 IP, 25 ER), 18 walks and 25 strikeouts.

To make room for Alcala on the 40-man roster, the Twins have designated outfielder Gilberto Celestino for release or assignment. Celestino appeared in 55 games for the Saints this season, hitting .243 (45-for-185) with 11 doubles, two triples, four home runs, 31 RBI and 31 runs scored.