Twins activate Guardado from DL

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Minnesota reliever Eddie Guardado, the key to the Twins' bullpen, was activated from the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, two weeks after having surgery on his left knee.

Guardado had cartilage removed from his knee June 6. The left-hander, who was 5-0 with a 4.85 ERA in 23 games before being sidelined, said he had a tough time sitting through Tuesday night's 10-9 victory when the Twins used five pitchers.

"I was dying to get in there last night," Guardado said before Wednesday night's game. "All I could do was cheer. I was going nuts in the bullpen."

The Twins also recalled right-hander Kyle Lohse from Triple-A Edmonton. Lohse was named the PCL's top pitcher last week after going 2-0 with a shutout and 17 strikeouts in two starts.

Following Wednesday's 4-hour, 50-minute game, the Twins optioned relievers Juan Rincon and Brad Thomas to New Britain of the Eastern League.

"We got a couple reinforcements but hopefully we won't need them," Twins manager Tom Kelly said. "After that game, though, it's good to have Eddie back and ready."