Struggling Twins reliever Brian Duensing was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Friday, and fellow left-hander Caleb Thielbar was recalled from Triple-A Rochester.
Duensing, who posted a 7.36 earned-run average and one save through his first six outings, was hit hard in the ninth inning of Thursday's 8-5 win over Kansas City. He was subsequently diagnosed with an intercostal strain in his right side.
This is the first DL stint in Duensing's major league career, which dates to 2009.
Thielbar, optioned at the end of spring training, picked up a win and posted three scoreless outings (2 1/3 innings) for the Red Wings.