Twins might be getting a surprise boost to the bullpen soon

It's officially crunch time for the Minnesota Twins, as games are melting off the schedule faster than the team can stay ahead of pace in the AL Wild Card standings.

Minnesota is just two games ahead of the Detroit Tigers for the final wild card spot, but has a gauntlet of games ahead that could launch them into the driver's seat of a first round bye. It doesn't get any more intense than that -- nor does it get any clearer hwo stressful life in Twins Territory is.

It shouldn't be as difficult as it's been, though.

Just over a month ago the Twins had the division lead within grasp, but let it slip away thanks to poor play and injuries boxing their ears. The result was a tumble down the standings, but things are starting to turn around at the exact right time. Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa both returned to the lineup after lengthy stints on the IL, and another injured player could soon be joining them on the active roster.

Justin Topa still has a 'route' to pitching for the Twins this season

When the Twins traded Jorge Polanco to the Seattle Mariners this past winter, the initial hope was that it would net the team necessary resources to improve the roster. It ended up being nothing more than a cowardly salary dump to pinch pennies on a reduced payroll, but the centerpiece of the deal is someone who could have an impact on how things shake out this season.

Justin Topa came back to Minnesota in that deal, and the idea was that he'd help solidify the core of a bullpen that was ranked among the best in baseball on Opening Day. That didn't happen, as Twins fans have helplessly watched any reliever not named Griffin Jax struggle while Topa has yet to pitch a single inning for the team.

That could be about to change.

Topa threw a bullpen session this weekend that seemingly indicates he could be on his way to finally debuting with the Twins.

This news comes after a setback last month that threatened to end Topa's season before it could even start. He was injured in the final week of Spring Training and began the season on the IL, but struggled to get healthy.

Just when it seemed he'd finally be ready, Topa suffered a setback in August that required he be pulled from his rehab assignment. That looked to be the final nail in his coffin this season, but somehow he's miraculously bouncing back.

There's still some work that needs to be done before he's healthy enough to join the bullpen, but just the idea that it's possible is a relief for Twins fans. We all know about what happened -- or didn't -- at the trade deadline, so Topa joining the team is truly an addition to the roster in every sense.

It also couldn't be happening at a better time. Outside of Jax, the Twins don't have a reliable arm in the bullpen to bring in to October. Numbers on Jhoan Duran are better on paper than the results on the field, and Jorge Alcala is a month removed from being great, but neither have fans feeling confident.

All of that can change if Topa shows up and starts taking pressure off the bullpen. It's a tough ask, but it would suddenly make the Polanco trade worth it and could help turn the season around right before it falls into the abyss.

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