Carlos

Gutierrez

Gutierrez surrendered five hits and two runs in five innings this spring. The 25-year-old right-hander had only an outside shot at an Opening Day bullpen gig.

Gutierrez will head to the Twins’ spring training complex to rehab the ailment. It’s not clear how long he’ll be out, but obviously he won’t be an option for a promotion for a while.

Gutierrez, 25, compiled a 4.62 ERA and 57/31 K/BB ratio over 62 1/3 innings this season at the Triple-A level. The 2008 first-round pick could still have a future in the Twins’ bullpen.

Dr. Lewis Yocum performed the procedure, and noted that it went very well. He’ll likely be sidelined for the next few weeks before he’s able to begin to rehab the injury. It’s unlikely he’ll be available for a promotion to the Twins until rosters expand in September.

Gutierrez, 26, posted a 5.06 ERA in 10 games with Triple-A Rochester this season before undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery in July. While the Twins were willing to expose him to waivers, the Cubs are hoping the 2008 first-round pick could have a future out of their bullpen.

Gutierrez was claimed off waivers from the Twins last month but has now been removed from the 40-man roster. He underwent shoulder surgery in July.

Gutierrez posted a 5.06 ERA over 10 games for Rochester before undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery in July. He’s expected to be fully healthy for spring training.

The Twins are trying Gutierrez as starter after he finished his career at the University of Miami as a closer. He gets a ton of groundballs and has good command, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll last in the rotation.

The biggest surprise in the first round. Gutierrez, the third Miami player to go in the first round, was being used as a reliever since Tommy John surgery. He has a quality sinker, but his slider is mediocre. He should move quickly, but he may be a sixth- and seventh-inning guy, rather than a closer or pure setup man.

Except for two games at the end of last season, Gutierrez doesn’t have any Triple-A experience, so it still seems like a long shot that the Twins will carry him. However, the former University of Miami closer could be a factor in their pen as the season goes along.