Even though the Minnesota Twins are in the midst of a nine game winning streak, tough decisions are being made to ensure the good times keep rolling.
On Wednesday the Twins had a new face in the clubhouse as Caleb Boushley was spotted arriving in Chicago. At the time not corresponding move had been announced, but the team eventually revealed that Kody Funderburk was heading back to Minnesota a day early and would be reporting to St. Paul when he arrives as opposed to Minneapolis.
Funderburk was optioned back to Triple-A to make room for Boushley, which was a bit of a surprising decision based on how he'd performed so far this season. It wasn't an easy decision, but seems like one that might end Funderburk's time with the Twins for longer than it may initially appear.
Twins option Kody Funderburk, and it's likely he'll stay in St. Paul for awhile
The Twins optioned Kody Funderburk to Triple-A. He's the corresponding move for Caleb Boushley.
— Betsy Helfand (@betsyhelfand) May 1, 2024
The move was made to help the Twins depleted bullpen, which is expected to be down a few pitchers for its series finale against the White Sox. Funderburk had pitched fine for the Twins since being a surprise addition to the Opening Day roster, posting a 3.38 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 13.1 innings of work.
Boushley getting called up is more about innings protection than anything else, as the Twins are playing their 12th straight game on Wednesday and are on short rest a day after Caleb Thielbar, Cole Sands, and Jhoan Duran put in work alongside Funderburk.
It's a demotion that was likely coming soon anyway, though.
The Twins are still down one arm in the bullpen due to injury. Justin Topa, who was acquired as perhaps the key piece of the Jorge Polanco trade with Seattle, is still working his way back from injury. He's expected to be activated at some point this month, at which time Funderburk might have drawn the short straw to get optioned.
He might have been able to pitch his way into a better spot, but we'll never know. It's likely that he'll be back soon, though, but the imminent return of Topa is something that can't be ignored as a factor.