One of the biggest reasons the Minnesota Twins have been so streaky this year is the inconsistency of their bullpen. Despite being a team strength coming out of training camp, their relief staff has been plagued by injuries and subpar performances.
There have been a few standouts out of the pen this year, but it has been a mixed bag performance-wise. Fortunately, help is on the way in the form of a couple of pitchers that will help them down the stretch.
The Positives
Griffin Jax has pitched like an All-Star. Whether by filling in for injured closer Jhoan Duran or pitching lights out in the seventh and eighth innings of games. Jax has been a master of his craft. He has held the bullpen together with his string of consistent performances this year. I hope his reward is an invitation to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, as a member of the American League All-Star Team. He is very deserving of such an honor,
Kansas City Royals import Josh Stamount has also been a shining light in relief. A left calf strain delayed his debut until May 9, but since then, he has resembled the pitcher who had back-to-back quality seasons for the Royals in 2020 and 2021. He has retooled his pitch selection, incorporating more sliders and sinkers in the mix. Since his return from the injured list, he has not given up a single earned run, and his WHIP stands at an amazing .824. He has been one of the pleasant surprises this season for a team that has struggled.
Jorge Acala has also been a bright light after suffering through some injuries over the past few seasons.
The Injured and Underperforming Twins Bullpen
Injuries have been a constant problem for the Twins this year, and the bullpen has been one of the hardest-hit areas. It started before the season when closer Duran was placed on the injured list with an oblique strain. And since he has been back, he has resembled a different pitcher. He has lost some velocity off his fastball, his pitchers have flattened out, and batters have been feasting on them. The word is that he is completely healed from the oblique injury, so the team is in a quandary about the source of the issue.
From 2020-2023, Caleb Thielbar was one of the most reliable relievers in baseball. He had one of the best strikeout-to-walk ratios over that period. This year, it’s another story. Unfortunately, he missed all of the training camp due to a strained left hamstring. Since then, his strikeout-to-walk ratio is half of what it has been. His ERA stands at 7.13, and his WHIP is an atrocious 1.925. The Twins hope that this skid is only temporary, as he has pitched better as of late.
And Justin Topa, a key part of the Jorge Polanco trade with Seattle, missed the entire season with a tear in the patellar tendon of his left knee. He was expected to be a crucial part of the bullpen after recording 24 holds for the Mariners last season.
Help is on the Way
Thankfully for the Twins and their fans, help is on the way. Brock Stewart and Justin Topa should be back in uniform in the very new future. Stewart has pitched well for the Twins over the past two seasons when healthy. He has begun to throw bullpen sessions after being placed on the injured list with shoulder tendinitis on May 3. The Twins are hopeful for an early July return.
Topa is expected to throw a bullpen session next week. He is projected to return to the lineup in late July.
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