Twins recall Miguel Sano with Mitch Garver injured

A big bat is returning to the lineup for the Minnesota Twins after starting the season on the injured list.

Slugger Miguel Sano was called up from Class AAA Rochester to replace catcher Mitch Garver, who was injured in Tuesday night’s 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Garver injured his left ankle on a play at the plate after a throw from center fielder Byron Buxton.

Shohei Ohtani was attempting to score what would’ve been the game-tying run in the eighth inning, but was called out. Garver’s left ankle bent awkwardly, and he was down in pain after the play. He had to be helped off the field by manager Rocco Baldelli and a team trainer.

Garver was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a high ankle sprain. In 25 games, Garver was hitting .329 with nine homers, four doubles, 19 RBI and a 1.164 on base plus slugging percentage.

Sano has missed the first 41 games of the season with a laceration on his right heel that required two procedures. In 10 games on a recent rehab assignment, he hit .316 with two homers, four doubles, nine RBI and three walks.

Sano is available off the bench Wednesday as the Twins finish a three-game series against the Angels at Target Field. It’s not clear when he’ll get his first start.