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Minnesota Twins: With Adalberto Mejia struggling the Twins Opt for Four Starters

By Brandon Swoyer

Apr 22, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins manager Paul Molitor (4) pulls starting pitcher Adalberto Mejia (49) from the game in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins manager Paul Molitor (4) pulls starting pitcher Adalberto Mejia (49) from the game in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Adalberto Mejia was roughed up in his first three starts in his 2017 season. He was optioned to the minors on Sunday, leaving the Minnesota Twins with four starting pitchers.

Adalberto Mejia, in his brief time with the Minnesota Twins this year, has had a 5.79 ERA and WHIP over two. Mejia will head to Triple A to iron out his control issues, as he walking eight men in just over nine innings.

Luckily for the Twins, they have an off day on Thursday. This gives them time before they need to make a decision on who will fill his spot. They will be able to go to four starters until May 2nd.

One of the leading contenders for the spot is already on the 25-man roster. Tyler Duffey is pitching well in the bullpen, and the Minnesota Twins would likely want to give him another shot in a starting role.

Nick Tepesch was called up to fill the hole left when reliever Justin Haley was placed on the Disabled List. This move could also free up Duffey to move into a starting role. The Twins would then go down to twelve pitchers, a number that most teams are at.

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Another name to keep an eye on will be Jose Berrios.

In three starts this year for Rochester, Jose Berrios has only given up three runs in 19 innings pitched. He has struck out 18 and only walked 3. Those eye-popping stats helped him earn last week’s Batavia Downs Pitcher of the Week.

Berrios did not win the 5th rotation spot out of Spring Training as there was concern he didn’t get enough innings this spring. Manager Paul Molitor was worried after Berrios only pitched 6.2 innings while pitching in the World Basebal Classic. This should no longer be a concern as Berrios is averaging over six innings pitched per start in Triple A.

Next: Mauer's Offense Regressing, May Be Hurting Twins

While it was unfortunate that Mejia struggled to start 2017, these two replacements give the Twins high upside for the future. Fans should be excited to see who they select to fill out the rotation.

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