Notes on Silva, the Twins, and throughout MLB

Well, as Nick Nelson mentioned yesterday, Carlos Silva has been put on the 15-day DL and will be out at least until the All-Star Break if not the rest of the season. It all rests on the surgery he has; that is, whether he chooses to have the torn meniscus taken out, which would be quicker recovery, or repaired. Scott Baker was considered to be called up, but because of a bad start in triple-A, Dave Gassner was called up instead.

Gassner is a left-hander who went 16-8 with a 3.41 ERA in AAA-Rochester last year. Gardenhire said this is because Gassner has looked good in AAA, is more experienced, and had a good spring. Gassner did have a good spring and having another left-handed pitcher is a plus if Gassner can handle the big leagues. But, let's keep in mind there were worse choices. Yes, it would have been exciting to see Baker, but he probably isn't quite ready yet despite his spring. And what if they had put Mulholland in there instead? At least they made a good, serious move that hopefully works out. Joe Mays will be in the rotation's third spot in place of Silva, making his first start tuesday.

Otherwise, today was an eventful day outside of Minnesota. John Smoltz bounced back from his hideous first start to strike out 15 Mets in 7 and 1/3 innings before hanging a slider to Carlos Beltran, which he creamed for a two-run home run. Pedro Martinez, his opponent on the mound, had a great game as well, pitching his first complete game in more than a year while giving up a run, two hits, and striking out two. It was a hell of a duel if you watched. Looks like Pedro may be back.