Twins send slumping C Astudillo to the minors

The Minnesota Twins sent slumping catcher Willians Astudillo to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday. Astudillo is 1-for-12 at the plate this month and is batting .250 for the season with two homers and 11 RBIs in 33 games.

In addition to catching, the versatile 27-year-old has started games for the Twins this season at first base, third base and right field and as the designated hitter. Astudillo batted .355 with three homers and 21 RBIs in 26 games with Minnesota in 2018.

In a corresponding move, the Twins called up right-hander Ryan Eades from Rochester. The 2013 second-round pick is in line to make his major league debut during this weekend's series against the Detroit Tigers.

Eades, 27, is 2-2 with a 5.68 ERA in 16 games (two starts) in Triple-A this season. He has struck out 39 and walked 12 in 31 2/3 innings.