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Minnesota Twins: 5 prospects that could make an impact in September

By Chris Schad

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Zack Littell #52 of the Minnesota Twins poses for a portrait during Minnesota Twins Photo Day on February 22, 2019 at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Zack Littell #52 of the Minnesota Twins poses for a portrait during Minnesota Twins Photo Day on February 22, 2019 at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MAY 28: Devin Smeltzer #31 of the Minnesota Twins delivers his first pitch in his major league debut against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning of the interleague game on May 28, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. a(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MAY 28: Devin Smeltzer #31 of the Minnesota Twins delivers his first pitch in his major league debut against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning of the interleague game on May 28, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. a(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Devin Smeltzer

Devin Smeltzer has been a fan-favorite for Twins fans this season and with a great backstory and solid performance on the field, fans would love to see him back in Minnesota. While Smeltzer’s season has been solid, his recent performance might give the Twins a little hesitation before making the call.

Smeltzer started 2019 strong as he posted a 2.08 ERA in his first five appearances and held opposing hitters to a .204 average during those starts. Those starts also included a .208 BABIP, however, which is usually a sign that a pitcher is heading toward major regression.

In his previous two appearances (one start), that regression appeared to take place as he allowed nine earned runs in his last 8 1/3 innings and hitters have posted a .389 average and 1.089 OPS during that timeframe.

Despite his recent struggles, the Twins will need plenty of arms down the stretch and Smeltzer could fit the bill. He’s been a part of the carousel at the end of the Twins’ bullpen this season and could be an arm that could eat up innings to save the bullpen at the end of well-decided games.

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