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Minnesota Twins: What to watch for against the Seattle Mariners

By Chris Schad

SEATTLE, WA - MAY 18: Outfielders Eddie Rosario #20 of the Minnesota Twins, Byron Buxton #25 and Max Kepler #26 celebrate after a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on May 18, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Twins won 18-4. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - MAY 18: Outfielders Eddie Rosario #20 of the Minnesota Twins, Byron Buxton #25 and Max Kepler #26 celebrate after a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on May 18, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Twins won 18-4. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MAY 14: Blake Parker #38 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the ninth inning of the game on May 14, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Angels 4-3. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MAY 14: Blake Parker #38 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the ninth inning of the game on May 14, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Angels 4-3. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Can the bullpen get back on track?

The biggest story on the most recent road trip was the struggles of the Twins bullpen. Although some of it may have been amplified by the failed attempt to sign Craig Kimbrel, the relievers had a tough time in the past three series with several pitchers getting roughed up and making the collective blood pressure of Twins fans spike dramatically.

Part of the reason for the bullpen’s struggles has been that the Twins have needed to use them more. Instead of throwing out one pitcher to close out a big lead, Minnesota has found themselves in closer games recently and has had to go to guys they wouldn’t normally go to earlier than they expected.

While guys such as Matt Magill and Zack Littell (who is no longer with the team) have gotten pounded, the efforts of Trevor May, Taylor Rogers and Blake Parker have been good enough to get by. Against the Mariners, the Twins’ bullpen really needs an uneventful series as they look to get back on track and keep marching this team toward a postseason berth.

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