Twins Prospects: Who Gets The Call, And When?

Jul 13, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; USA pitcher Alex Meyer throws a pitch during the All Star Futures Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Meyer (June 2015)

For the first time in quite a while, the Twins have legitimate options for their starting rotation. While this bodes well for the franchise as a whole, it forces Alex Meyer to be on the outside looking in. After acquiring Tommy Milone from the Athletics a season ago, the Twins find themselves in a spot to have a very quality fifth starter no matter who grabs the spot.

Unfortunately, I don’t see Meyer beating out Milone to start the season. Although Meyer has mentioned he is willing to crack the Twins roster through the bullpen, there may not be room for him there either. The most plausible scenario seems to be both Meyer and Trevor May starting the season as the 1-2 punch of the Triple-A Rochester rotation.

Should Meyer be able to show an enhanced ability to limit walks both through Spring Training and the beginning of his season, the Twins will no doubt want to get his strikeout potential into their rotation. His callup could be through the bullpen, or to replace the first struggling Twins pitcher. At any rate, Meyer at 25 will be the first of the Twins prospects to be called upon.