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Minnesota Twins: Tyler Duffey Finding Success In The Bullpen

By Jackson Bruce

Apr 5, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Tyler Duffey (56) pitches in the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field. The Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 9-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Tyler Duffey (56) pitches in the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field. The Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 9-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Minnesota Twins pitcher Tyler Duffey had a hard time as a starter in 2016. In 2017, he was moved to the bullpen. That move is paying off for him and the Twins.

The Minnesota Twins pitching staff has had plenty of surprises, whether it is with starters or relievers. Tyler Duffey was a starter last season, but struggled mightily. This season, he has established himself as a reliable bullpen option.

Duffey pitched all of 2016 as a starter, making 26 starts for the Twins and posting a bloated 6.43 ERA. His record of 9-12 made his season look better, even though he gave up 167 hits in 133 innings pitched. Of those 167 hits, 25 were home runs.

While Duffey started his career well in 2015, going 5-1 with a 3.10 ERA in ten starts, hitters easily figured him out which prompted a change. This season, Duffey has made eight appearances. All of those appearances have been in relief.

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A switch to the bullpen has helped him and his team.

Duffey’s relief appearances have been stellar. He has only given up two earned runs this season, both in a game against the Indians on April 20th. His other seven appearances have been scoreless outings in which he has pitched eleven innings and given up nine hits. He has also struck out nine opposing hitters.

Duffey has shown a knack for long relief, pitching more than one inning in four of his appearances. His longest outing was April 12th against Detroit, going three innings and giving up only two hits. His ability to pitch multiple innings at a time has made him a valuable part of the bullpen, especially if the Twins starters get roughed up and he can eat innings.

If Duffey is able to keep up his ability to effectively eat innings, he could be the go to guy for a long relief appearance in Minnesota. With such an option, he could save the Twins the headache that comes along with a depleted bullpen after a bad outing by a starter.

Duffey is currently the Twins’ leader in ERA for a reliever, which is a massive step in the right direction for his career. Not only does it help him, but his team benefits from him sliding comfortably into his new role.

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While his last season was rough as a starter, Tyler Duffey has found incredible success as a reliever in the first month of 2017. If he keeps up this pace, he will be an integral part of a Twins team with the potential to go far.

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