Cimino started 1963 with the AA Charlotte Hornets. He pitched well early in the season and then moved up again, to the AAA Dallas-Fort Worth Rangers. In 1964, he had a mediocre year with the International League's Atlanta Crackers, going 3–6 with a 4.50 ERA in 120 innings. He rebounded once again the following season with the Pacific Coast League's Denver Bears, winning 9 of 16 decisions. He was then called up to the major league Minnesota Twins. In his major league debut on September 22, he pitched one inning without allowing a baserunner.