The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have optioned starting second baseman Alexi Casilla to Triple-A Rochester and recalled infielder Matt Tolbert from Rochester.
Casilla blossomed into a regular last season, batting second and providing a productive presence at the position with a .281 average, 58 runs, seven homers and 50 RBIs in 385 at-bats.
But he's been unable to get going this year, hitting .167 with one double, one triple and four RBIs in 84 at-bats. Manager Ron Gardenhire has also been disappointed that Casilla's slump has affected his concentration in the field. He made a costly error in games both Saturday and Tuesday.
Casilla was acquired by the Twins prior to the 2006 season from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for left-handed pitcher J.C. Romero.
In 23 games with the Red Wings, Tolbert hit .260 (25-for-96) with four doubles, two triples, nine rbi and one home run. Additionally, he was 7-for-12 in his last two games.
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Tolbert, 27, made the Twins Opening Day roster in 2008 but missed 96 games with a torn ligament in his left thumb. He hit .283 (32-for-118) with six doubles and three triples in 41 games with the Twins last season. Tolbert, originally drafted by the Twins in the 16th round of the 2004 First-Year Player draft, will be wearing uniform No. 20 tonight in Baltimore.
