Topa, Sands ready for bigger roles in Twins’ bullpen
NOBLES COUNTY, MINNESOTA, AUG 6 – Following multiple trades, Justin Topa and Cole Sands are now key bullpen pitchers for the Minnesota Twins, with Topa recently securing a save in a win over Detroit.
- With the bullpen reshaped after Thursday's deadline, Rocco Baldelli met in Cleveland with Justin Topa and Cole Sands to discuss their new roles.
- Having shipped multiple relievers, Coulombe, Jax and Varland were sent out to the Rangers, Rays, and Blue Jays last Thursday, and Dobnak was dealt to Detroit last Monday.
- Highlighting his impact, Topa picked up the save in Tuesday’s 6-3 win over the Detroit Tigers, his fourth career save and first since 2023.
- With expanded duties, Sands said players feel added responsibility “to go out there and shut the door” and will be ready when called.
- On Wednesday, Brooks Kriske was claimed off waivers from the Chicago Cubs, joining the Twins' bullpen alongside Thomas Hatch, claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Royals.
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Topa, Sands ready for bigger roles in Twins’ bullpen
The Twins began the 2025 season with a bullpen consisting of Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Cole Sands, Louie Varland, Danny Coulombe, Jorge Alcala, Justin Topa and Randy Dobnak. One by one, that group was shipped out of town. Alcala went first, landing with the Boston Red Sox in June. Dobnak, who spent most of the season in St. Paul, was dealt to Detroit last Monday. Duran ended up in Philadelphia on Wednesday. Coulombe, Jax and Varland were sent ou…
Justin Topa, Cole Sands ready for bigger roles in Twins’ bullpen
The Twins began the 2025 season with a bullpen consisting of Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Cole Sands, Louie Varland, Danny Coulombe, Jorge Alcala, Justin Topa and Randy Dobnak. One by one, that group was shipped out of town. Alcala went first, landing with the Boston Red Sox in June. Dobnak, who spent most of the season in St. Paul, was dealt to Detroit last Monday. Jhoan Duran ended up in Philadelphia on Wednesday. Coulombe, Jax and Varland were s…
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