The Minnesota Twins won a series against the red-hot St. Louis Cardinals at Target Field this past weekend, taking two out of three games. While there are many positives to take away from the series victory, including strong performances from Royce Lewis and Byron Buxton, it doesn't change the fact that Minnesota has generally struggled this season, holding a rough 33-40 record. One of the main reasons for the club's poor season thus far has been the struggling bullpen.
It's no secret that the Twins' bullpen isn't great. Before Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota's relievers ranked last in ERA (5.26), 24th in FIP (4.59), 28th in strikeout rate (19.9%), 27th in walk rate (11.9%) and 28th in opponent batting average (.256). As the bullpen continues to struggle, who could be out of a job soon?
2 Twins relievers on thin ice as bullpen struggles continue
RHP Travis Adams
In 15 2/3 innings across 11 games this season, Adams has posted a 6.89 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP with a 23.9% strikeout rate. Adams still has two minor-league options, so the Twins can easily send him down to Triple-A without losing him. The right-hander has already had three separate Triple-A stints this season, and he'll likely have more. If and when Minnesota options Adams to Triple-A again, the team will likely bring him back when it needs a fresh arm.
RHP Justin Lawrence
The Twins acquired Lawrence from the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash on June 2 after he had been designated for assignment a few days earlier. In 4 1/3 innings across five games with Minnesota, Lawrence has allowed five earned runs on six hits (two home runs), five walks and two hit batters. A sidearmer with above-average velocity, Lawrence could be much better if he improved his control. Still, he has been so bad since joining Minnesota that one or two more rough outings could be enough for the team to cut bait on the former Pirate. Lawrence, 31, is out of minor-league options, meaning the Twins would have to designate him for assignment if they want to remove him from their 26-man roster.
Twins set to begin road series against Texas Rangers
The Twins are slated to begin a three-game set with the Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, at 7:05 p.m. CDT on Monday. The game will be available to stream on Twins.TV.
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