Simeon Woods Richardson stepped into the Twins’ rotation late last April and grabbed hold of a spot in the rotation, maintaining it through the season. But he hasn’t been able to replicate that success in his second season in the majors thus far and on Thursday, the Twins optioned the right-handed starter to Triple-A.

The Twins will have to call up a starter to fill Sunday’s spot in the rotation in Milwaukee.

Woods Richardson, who currently has a 5.02 earned-run average, gave up six runs on eight hits in four innings pitched against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. All six of those runs came in the third inning, in which he allowed two home runs, including a go-ahead grand slam.

Woods Richardson has allowed eight home runs this season in 37⅔ innings pitched, half the total he allowed last year in nearly 100 fewer innings pitched. He also hasn’t been able to give the Twins length, completing at least five innings in just three of eight outings this season.

At one point, the Twins used an opener to precede one of his appearances.

In his place, Kody Funderburk, who served as the 27th man in Wednesday’s double-header, will remain on the active roster for the time being.  The fill Woods Richardson’s spot in the rotation, the Twins have a pair of options in Triple-A to choose from.

David Festa, who was called up earlier this season when Pablo López was on the injured list, pitched well, giving up three runs (two earned) across 13 innings pitched (1.38 ERA) in three starts. The Twins got an extended look at Festa late last season, and he would seem to be the more likely choice, but Matthews, who had an impressive spring training and currently boasts a 1.93 ERA across seven starts in Triple-A this season, could also be an option.

Briefly

Outfielder Harrison Bader, who exited Wednesday’s doubleheader with left groin tightness, and first baseman Ty France, who has a left foot contusion after fouling a pitch off himself, were out of the starting lineup for Thursday’s series finale in Baltimore. Both were said to be to be day-to-day.