Jesse Crain Heads to DL

Reliever Jesse Crain was placed on the Minnesota Twins' disabled list with inflammation in his pitching shoulder today.

This move comes one day after the right-hander gave up six unearned runs, including a two-run shot by Grady Sizemore, in the sixth inning of last night's 15-7 loss at Cleveland. It always seems kinda fishy to me when a pitcher completely falls to pieces on the mound then goes on the DL the very next day...

Crain went 4-5 with a 3.25 ERA in 68 appearances last season and has allowed 16 runs in 16.1 innings this season. He is 1-2 with a 5.51 ERA in 18 appearances.

Right-hander Julio DePaula was called up from the AAA Rochester Red Wings to take Crain's place in the bullpen. DePaula is 2-3 with a 3.15 ERA and two saves in 15 appearances for Rochester this season.

Update: Crain has a torn rotator cuff and a torn labrum.

[Star Tribune] | [Bat Girl]

Jesse Crain Gets Serious with Twins

In an effort to keep their bullpen strong for 2007 and beyond, the Minnesota Twins gave reliever Jesse Crain a three-year contract on Tuesday, keeping him around for a dependable right arm and occasional setup man to closer Automatic Joe Nathan.

The 25-year-old went 4-5 with a 3.52 ERA in 68 games last season, helping the Twins come from behind for their fourth AL Central title in five seasons. In his final 22 appearances, Crain was 2-0 with a 0.38 ERA, allowing just 14 hits.

In his two-plus year career, spent solely in Minnesota, Crain is 19-10 with a 2.95 ERA in 165 appearances.

Crain said he was somewhat surprised when the Twins approached him about a new contract. "It was something I was actually hoping for, but I wasn't sure it was going to happen with everybody that had arbitration this year," Crain said. "I'm excited for it and look forward to being with the Twins."

[Star Tribune]