Son of Pudge Rodriguez joining Kernels

CEDAR RAPIDS - The son of a former longtime major leaguer is playing for the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Make that another son of a former longtime major leaguer.

The Kernels and parent Minnesota Twins announced Tuesday that pitcher Dereck Rodriguez is joining the Kernels from extended spring training. The 22-year-old right-hander is the son of catcher Ivan 'Pudge” Rodriguez.

He joins shortstop Nick Gordon on the team, the son of retired pitcher Tom Gordon.

Pitcher Jared Wilson is being promoted to high-Class A Fort Myers. He was 4-1 with a 3.12 earned run average in eight starts.

Starting pitcher Stephen Gonsalves said on Twitter late Monday night he also has been promoted to Fort Myers, though no official announcement has been made. He has dominated the Midwest League with a 6-1 record and 1.15 earned run average this season.

Dereck Rodriguez, by the way, was a sixth-round draft pick of the Twins in 2011. He spent three seasons as an outfielder before being converted to a pitcher last season.

The Kernels active roster is at 24 players, one under maximum.