Twins – Who’s That Guy? A.J. Achter

Sep 3, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher

(58) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Target Field. The Twins won 11-4. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

As the long, difficult Minnesota Twins’ season winds down in its final month, we’ll take a closer look at some of the new (and some not so new) faces added to the roster with our new Who’s That Guy? postings.  Our next entry: Relief Pitcher A.J. Achter.

More from Minnesota Twins Prospects

• Minnesota Twins: Who’s in and who’s out after the 2022 Rule 5 Draft
• Minnesota Twins: Four Prospects added to the 40-Man Roster at Deadline
• Minnesota Twins: Is Edouard Julien legit and can he help in 2023?
• Minnesota Twins: Front Office finally making the Right Call with Call-Ups
• Minnesota Twins: Matt Wallner called up, Former Top 30 Prospect DFA’d

Who’s That Guy?

• Name – Adam J. (A.J.) Achter
• Age – 26
• Position – Relief Pitcher
• Career stats (MLB debut 2014, 2 games ) – 0-0, 9.00 ERA, 1 SO, 0 BB

Experience – Drafted in the 46th round in 2010,  Achter has risen quickly through the ranks, pitching for Single-A Beloit only two years ago.  With a brief stint at high-A Fort Myers in 2012, he moved up to AA New Britain and AAA Rochester in 2013 and spent almost all of the 2014 season at Rochester.

What he’s done in 2014 – Appeared in 40 games for the Red Wings, going 4-4 with a 2.17 ERA, 80 SO, and 35 BB in 78 innings pitched.

September expectations – When you’re the 2nd lowest drafted player ever in the organization’s history to make the major league squad (Denny Hocking was selected in the  52nd round), you’ve exceeded almost everyone’s expectations already.  That being said, here’s his chance to show ’em what he’s got.  Though he’s moved quickly through the minors, Achter is 26 years old and will be entering his prime for the next few years.  He has a low-90’s fastball, a good slider, and will mix in a cutter and a change-up.  If he shows good stuff in his limited opportunity, he’ll be on the short list to get the call as a fill-in next year.

Looking forward to 2015 – Most likely will start the 2015 season in Rochester to get some additional seasoning.  However relief pitchers are almost always in need, so if he impresses this month and in spring training next year, expect him to get the call for an early season promotion to the big league squad.

Next player that will be spotlighted on Who’s That Guy? will be Chris Herrmann.

Until next time…