Minnesota Twins: 5 questions for the ALDS vs. the Yankees

Are the Twins rookies ready for the postseason?

In addition to Arraez, who may not be on the roster pending his ankle injury, the Twins will have two rookies that have enjoyed a fast track to major league status on their pitching staff this series. While Randy Dobnak is a lock, many also expect Brusdar Graterol to also make the roster.

With Dobnak, the Twins feel they have a starter that could give them five to six innings that can get them to their bullpen. The right-hander has been solid for the Twins, especially in his last six outings (five starts), holding opponents to a 2.21 ERA. While his BABIP of .236 suggests that regression is coming, his 0.56 ERA on the road could give the Twins lightning in a bottle to steal one in the Bronx.

As the game gets later, the Twins may place their fate on the right arm of Graterol. The 21-year old cemented his status as one of the top prospects in the organization despite a shoulder impingement that knocked out over two months of his season. Although the Twins see him as a starter, his fastball, which has reached as high as 104 MPH this season, was too enticing not to have him in the bullpen for the postseason run.

For both rookies (and Arraez if he makes the roster), the postseason will be a crucible they haven’t experienced. If they can make the most of the opportunity and not get ahead of themselves, they could be pivotal parts to a long postseason run.