Twins select contract of Jay Jackson

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Jay Jackson from Triple-A St. Paul.

Jackson, 36, recently appeared in three games for the Saints, allowing one run on two hits in 3.0 innings of relief with no walks and two strikeouts. Jackson made the club’s Opening Day roster and appeared in 17 games from March 31-May 18, going 1-2 with a 6.85 ERA (22.1 IP, 17 ER), one hold, eight walks and 23 strikeouts. He was designated for release or assignment on May 19 and accepted his assignment to Triple-A St. Paul.

To make room for Jackson on the 26-man roster, the Twins have optioned right-handed pitcher Louie Varland to St. Paul. Varland, who was recalled yesterday, made a spot start for the Twins last night against the Colorado Rockies, pitching 5.0 scoreless innings, with one hit allowed, one walk and three strikeouts in a Twins 5-4 defeat.

To make room for Jackson on the 40-man roster, the Twins have designated right-handed pitcher Diego Castillo for release or assignment. Castillo appeared in five games for Minnesota, posting a 2.57 ERA (7.0 IP, 2 ER) with seven walks and three strikeouts.