Minnesota Twins: Lefty Gabriel Moya getting his big league call-up
By Nate Palmer
The Minnesota Twins are still looking for the perfect bullpen mix as they hold onto a wild card spot. Lefty Gabriel Moya is getting his chance to help.
As the Minnesota Twins have been non-playoff contenders the last several seasons, the silver lining fans had was September call-ups. It was that moment where we got our first glimpse at a prospect we had been waiting to get a glimpse of, or an opportunity to see a fringe guy who had just put together an amazing season down in the minor leagues.
As the Twins push for a spot in the playoffs, it is harder to find innings for those fringe guys. The guys getting call-ups have to have a role in helping the Twins win games now. There was one minor leaguer I wanted to see up with the Twins but simply thought based on the Twins place in contention we might not see him – then Monday came.
All reports are pointing to Gabriel Moya getting a call to the majors now that the Chattanooga Lookouts season is finished. One of the greatest things about a player’s first chance in the majors is stories and tweets like this from Moya’s former Arizona pitching coach:
Gabriel Moya called me crying to tell me he just got called up to the big leagues. 1 of best phone calls I've ever gotten. So happy for him! pic.twitter.com/Ei8ZTOf1rm
— Jeff BADGE • in • ARROW (@jeffbajenaru) September 11, 2017
Moya came over to the Twins in a trade with Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for John Ryan Murphy. Before and after the trade, he has done nothing but shut down opposing batters. The left-handed Moya has an ERA under 1.00 on the season. 0.77 ERA between both Jackson and Chattanooga, both of the Southern League.
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Moya would seem to have every opportunity to be the second lefty out of the Twins’ pen. If his minor league performance translates to the majors he will likely be just that. Currently, Taylor Rogers is the top lefty called on but after him, the Twins are in need of a lefty to pitch the middle innings.
As Moya has limited runs, he has done so in part by striking batters out. On the season he has struck out 13.4 batters per 9 innings. As is often seen, that number will likely see a dip during the jump to the majors. Anything close to it will be welcomed to a Twins’ bullpen that continues to try and add the ability strike out batters to their bullpen and improve their ability to secure games in the later innings.
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The most exciting thing about September is pennant races. The next exciting part of September is young guys getting their chance in the big leagues. The Moya call-up feels like the best of both worlds for Twins’ fans. Well, at least for this one it does!