ARLINGTON — With six games to play in the season, the Twins are getting both of their catchers back.
A day after Christian Vázquez was activated from the injured list, Ryan Jeffers joined him. Jeffers was reinstated from the 7-day concussion IL Tuesday after missing 16 games due to a concussion he suffered on Sept. 4. Vázquez had been activated Monday after missing seven weeks as the result of an infection in his left shoulder.
To make room for Vázquez, the club optioned outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr. to Triple-A St. Paul. To clear a roster spot for Jeffers, catcher Jhonny Pereda was optioned to St. Paul. However, Pereda will remain with the club on the taxi squad for the remainder of the season.
Jeffers sports a .262/.353/.394 line in 114 games this season, mostly behind the plate but also seeing extensive time at designated hitter. Vázquez, who is a free agent at the end of the season, is hitting .174/.251/.247 but is regarded as an outstanding defender.
In the absences of the two regulars, Pereda and Mickey Gasper had split time behind the plate. Pereda was a pleasant surprise offensively during his time on the roster, hitting .345 with four doubles in 32 plate appearances.
