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Minnesota Twins: Projecting the Twins’ potential postseason rotation

By Chris Schad

ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 17: Jose Berrios #17 of the Minnesota Twins pitches in the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on August 17, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 17: Jose Berrios #17 of the Minnesota Twins pitches in the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on August 17, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 10: Jake Odorizzi #12 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning of the game on August 10, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 10: Jake Odorizzi #12 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning of the game on August 10, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Starter No. 2: Jake Odorizzi

The Twins lone pitching selection to the All-Star game (Jose Berrios was named as a replacement later), Jake Odorizzi has exceeded most of the expectations the Twins had after an uneven 2018 season. Although he had a strong start, his recent form has been more like Twins fans had grown accustomed to with Odorizzi being inefficient but effective.

The one thing that will give Twins’ fans concern is Odorizzi’s performance in July. Last month, Odorizzi wasn’t himself (which may have had to do with a blister on his pitching hand)  and compiled a 7.43 ERA and allowed a .290 average to opposing hitters. With the coup de grace being a nine-run performance in just four innings against the Yankees, fans may be reluctant to trust Odorizzi in a playoff series.

While Odorizzi has pitched better in the month of August, his previous start against the Chicago White Sox (5 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, BB, 6 K) on Aug. 21 was more indicative of what the Twins can expect in October. The right-hander is more of a five-and-fly guy which could put a major onus on the Twins bullpen.

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