The Washington Nationals have designated former Minnesota Twins right-handed reliever Justin Lawrence for assignment, according to his transactions log on MLB.com. It marks the third time Lawrence has been DFA'd this season.
Lawrence began the year with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who DFA'd Lawrence on May 29 after the right-hander recorded a 5.32 ERA with a 1.55 WHIP and 25 strikeouts in 22 innings for the club in 2026. The Twins acquired him from the Pirates for cash four days later.
Lawrence's stint with the Twins was an absolute disaster. Minnesota DFA'd the right-hander on June 21 after he posted an abysmal 18.00 ERA with a 3.17 WHIP and 12 strikeouts in six innings across seven outings. In his limited action with Minnesota, Lawrence had a .357 opponent batting average, surrendered nine walks and hit two batters.
The Twins' bullpen has been among the worst in the league most of the season (although it's looked much better lately), yet the club decided that Lawrence had to go. The Nationals, who also have one of the worst bullpens in MLB, claimed Lawrence off waivers three days after the Twins designated him for assignment.
Lawrence had much better results with the Nationals, but they still weren't great. The Twins, and most fans of the Twins, likely expected that outcome. With Washington, Lawrence allowed three earned runs on seven hits and seven walks in 6 1/3 innings.
Twins shouldn't consider reuniting with Justin Lawrence
While the Twins could use bullpen help, reuniting with Lawrence likely isn't the help they are looking for. Minnesota has already been down that road, and the club has several internal options who would be a better use of a roster spot.
And, as stated earlier, the Twins' bullpen has been much better lately. After ranking last in ERA (6.94) last month, Minnesota's relievers have turned things around in July.
This month, the Twins' bullpen ranks 10th among all 30 MLB teams in ERA (3.00). Before last night's rough loss to the Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota's relievers ranked third in ERA (2.25), sixth in opponent batting average (.200) and seventh in strikeout rate (23.4%) for July.
So, Minnesota has no need for Lawrence, especially with Cole Sands, Garret Acton, Marco Raya and Julian Merryweather currently on rehab assignments. Now, if the Twins want to go out and acquire a more established high-leverage arm, fans should be all for that move. But taking another flier on Lawrence doesn't seem wise.
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