The Minnesota Twins bullpen was projected to be one of the better units in baseball. It has instead been one of the worst units in baseball for weeks. The latest roster move has slammed the door completely on the only relief moves this past offseason.
Steven Okert leaves Minnesota Twins with southpaw uncertainty
It took until the 128th game of the year, but the Minnesota Twins finally jettisoned Steven Okert. He was acquired this offseason in exchange for Nick Gordon. The Miami Marlins took a chance on a player the Twins didn’t have room for, and both assets didn’t last the season.
Okert appeared in 44 games for Minnesota and posted an awful 5.09 ERA. His 5.12 FIP was worse, and his strikeout rate declined substantially. Although Okert was capable of getting left-handed hitters out, he simply had no answer for righties.
Related: Just How Bad is the Minnesota Twins Bullpen Right Now?
The Twins watched Okert surrender four runs on four hits against the San Diego Padres earlier this week. The outing generated the single-worst WPA (win probability added) from any Minnesota pitcher this season. Rocco Baldelli’s only remaining left-handed arm is Caleb Thielbar.
Minnesota Twins bullpen a far cry from Opening Day
When the Twins went to Kansas City for Opening Day, they did so without star closer Jhoan Duran. He was dealing with an oblique issue and the group looked different. Okert, Jay Jackson , and Daniel Duarte were the only members acquired during the offseason. Now all three are off the roster, and two have been sent packing from the organization.
The only remaining active members from Minnesota’s Opening Day bullpen include Griffin Jax , Jorge Alcala, and Cole Sands. The former has been arguably the Twins best reliever. Since Minnesota opted against legitimately participating at the trade deadline, Trevor Richards represents the only reinforcement for the group. He has walked 10 batters in 11 innings while leading baseball in wild pitches.
It has been Derek Falvey’s typical plan of attack to avoid spending on bullpen pieces. Addison Reed is really the only situation in which there was a splurge, and that went sideways. This year though, Minnesota didn’t come up on any of their scrap heap pickups, and it has led to a revolving door.
Related: Jhoan Duran is (Mostly) Back to Being Himself
Baldelli won’t get Brock Stewart back for the final stretch, and Scott Blewett is returning for middle relief work. It’s probably time to put Louie Varland in the bullpen , but the group is definitely searching for answers.
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