Who Brings Up The End Of The Rotation For The Twins?

6 of 6

Jul 13, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; World pitcher

Jose Berrios

throws a pitch in the first inning during the All Star Futures Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Looking at the last few possibilities as a whole, they all appear to be long shots. With the most likely candidates already mentioned, we are left with the likes of Jose Berrios, Tyler Duffey and Stephen Pryor. Berrios has already gone on record in saying that it is his goal to crack the starting rotation out of spring training. It’s an exciting idea in theory, but doesn’t hold much weight in reality.

Berrios has an incredibly high ceiling and made a huge leap last year, with that in mind however, the Twins have options and therefore have no need to rush Berrios to the major league level. Expecting him to debut in 2015 isn’t out of the question, but from spring training, it remains a high improbability.

Duffey is a non-roster invite to spring training for the Twins, but is more than likely just getting his taste of the big leagues. With a career 3.51 ERA through three seasons in the Twins farm system, he should be an integral piece of the Rochester starting rotation.

Pryor was the asset acquired when the Twins dealt Kendrys Morales to the Seattle Mariners. Despite Pryor having pitched most of his career in relief, he has the ability to start and the Twins have toyed with the idea to stretch him out heading into 2015. Despite the possibility he makes starts at some point, I see Pryor starting for the Twins in a Darnell or Pino style situation rather than by choice out of the rotation.

No matter who ends up taking the fifth and final spot in the Minnesota Twins rotation out of spring training this year, I think it’s safe to say that it feels great to have quality options to fill out a pitching staff for the first time in a while.

Next: Projecting Your Minnesota Twins Opening Day Lineup

More from Puckett's Pond

Home/Minnesota Twins News