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Minnesota Twins: 5 moves that led the Twins to the AL Central title

By Chris Schad

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 25: Eddie Rosario #20 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates his two run home run with Nelson Cruz #23 in the eighth inning while playing hte Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 25, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 25: Eddie Rosario #20 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates his two run home run with Nelson Cruz #23 in the eighth inning while playing hte Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 25, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 24: Closer Taylor Rogers #55 of the Minnesota Twins pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on September 24, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Rogers recorded his 29th save in a 4-2 win over the Tigers. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 24: Closer Taylor Rogers #55 of the Minnesota Twins pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on September 24, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Rogers recorded his 29th save in a 4-2 win over the Tigers. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Installing Taylor Rogers as closer

As we head into the postseason, there’s a chance that many around the country have no clue who Taylor Rogers is. If Twins fans hadn’t tuned in over the second half of last season, they probably didn’t know what to expect from the left-hander either. But coming off a stretch where he didn’t allow a run in his final 28 appearances of the season, he was poised to take off in 2019.

Of course, that wasn’t the initial plan. With Fernando Romero being moved to the bullpen, many thought that the closer role was temporary for Rogers as he shared it with Blake Parker to begin the season and eventually cede it to Romero.

Romero never got going at Triple-A, however, and as Parker tailed off after a strong start, it was Rogers who would take control of the late-inning situations for the Twins. WIth 29 saves and a 2.65 ERA, the 28-year old has not only emerged as the best reliever on the Twins roster, but one of the best relievers in all of baseball.

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