US EditionTwins set pitchers in bullpen, but roles still up for grabs
The Twins finalized eight relievers for spring training but face unclear late-inning roles after key veterans opted out and trades reshaped the bullpen.
- Following Tuesday's Grapefruit League finale in Fort Myers, Fla., the Twins finalized their eight-man bullpen, selecting Taylor Rogers, Anthony Banda, Cole Sands, Justin Topa, Cody Laweryson, Kody Funderburk, Zak Kent, and Eric Orze.
- The team faced a significant roster rebuild after trading away five relievers last July, leading manager Derek Shelton to focus this spring on identifying which eight arms would replace that lost depth.
- Despite finalizing the roster, the Twins enter the season without defined roles for late-inning situations. "It's going to be a little bit of a mix match," catcher Ryan Jeffers said.
- Taylor Rogers, who rejoined the team in free agency, emphasized that every pitcher must "earn your spot" regardless of roster status, a sentiment Banda echoed regarding the uncertainty.
- This approach marks a significant shift from recent years, when the organization relied on Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax to handle late-inning situations, as the coaching staff now seeks new relievers to step up.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Star Tribune
Bismarck TribuneTwins enter season without clarity on closer, solidified late-inning bullpen roles
The Twins traded five of their best relievers last summer, and they’ll let matchups dictate their late-inning strategy at the start of the season.
Pioneer Press
Twins set pitchers in bullpen, but roles still up for grabs
The Twins will mix and match early on.
How Can the Twins' Bullpen Beat Low Projections This Year?
The Minnesota Twins have answered one of the questions that has long hovered over them this offseason. We know who will be in the Opening Day bullpen, but it’s not the players everyone expected. Cole Sands, Justin Topa, and Kody Funderburk return from the end of last season. They also brought back Taylor Rogers via free agency. They also picked up Anthony Bonda and Eric Orze from waiver wire trades. Still, the last two names were anyone’s guess.…
Twins Release Bowman; Kent, Laweryson Win Bullpen Spots
The Twins announced Tuesday that they’ve granted right-hander Matt Bowman his release. He triggered an opt-out clause in his contract over the weekend. Minnesota also reassigned non-roster players Dan Altavilla, Orlando Arcia, David Bañuelos and Trent Baker to minor league camp. As Dan Hayes of The Athletic notes, that positions right-handers Cody Laweryson and Zak Kent to take the final two bullpen jobs, barring any outside additions. Matthew L…
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