The Twins bullpen has stepped up
While the Twins lineup has done most of the heavy lifting throughout the season, their bullpen has been the team’s unofficial scapegoat. Punctuated by a stretch where the Twins designated FOUR relievers for assignment in one week, the Twins bullpen had a mid-season overhaul that has helped them regain their effectiveness.
Although the Twins’ trade deadline of Sam Dyson appears to be a bust for 2019 (they will have control of him through next season), the acquisition of Sergio Romo has been a huge boost for the on the field with his performance (3.38 ERA in 18 2/3 innings since coming over) on the field and his personality has helped the clubhouse off of it.
The Twins have also had several relievers within the organization step up. Tyler Duffey hasn’t allowed a run in 18 appearances since the trade deadline. Trevor May has used his fastball more, which has helped him to a 0.90 ERA and 25:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio since the deadline. Even with Taylor Rogers‘ struggles in early August, he’s picked it up with one earned run in his last 10 1/3 innings.
While the current members of the bullpen have stepped up, the Twins have also made additions from within including Zack Littell (who has allowed two earned runs since May 30) and top prospect Brusdar Graterol, who has settled in after a rocky start to his major league career.
In a perfect world, the Twins would love to get an extended effort out of their starting rotation, but if that fails, the bullpen has stepped up to the point where they will be ready for a postseason challenge.