Twins make first bullpen move of season by optioning Zak Kent for newly acquired righty

Minnesota Twins option Zak Kent to Triple-A St. Paul, recall Garrett Acton

The Twins have recalled right-handed reliever Garrett Acton, whom Minnesota acquired from the Miami Marlins in exchange for minor-league right-handed pitcher Logan Whitaker on Thursday. The team optioned right-handed reliever Zak Kent, whom Minnesota claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals in Feb., to Triple-A St. Paul as a corresponding move.

Every MLB team shuffles through relievers throughout the season. But the Twins should be doing so at an above-average rate this year. While relievers Anthony Banda, Taylor Rogers, Kody Funderburk, Eric Orze, Justin Topa and Cole Sands can expect to remain on the roster barring huge regression, Acton and Cody Laweryson will likely be shuffled between the minors and majors throughout the year.

Acton, 27, made six appearances with the Athletics in 2023 and one with the Tampa Bay Rays last season. He's allowed eight earned runs across 6 2/3 innings. He was sidelined for the entire 2024 season due to undergoing Tommy John Surgery.

Acton has a less-than-ideal 4.56 ERA and 10% walk rate in 160 minor league innings dating back to 2022, but he struck out 29.5% of batters faced during that time.

The former Marlin mainly relies on a mid-90s four-seamer. He also throws a mid-to-high-80s changeup and a mid-80s slider.

Kent, 28, has made two appearances with Minnesota this season. He entered the Twins' Wednesday game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium with runners on first and third base and one out in the sixth inning. The first batter he faced, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, reached on a fielder's choice, as first baseman Victor Caratini fielded a ground ball and threw the ball wide to second base, allowing third baseman Maikel Garcia to score without Minnesota recording an out.

Kent proceeded to walk catcher Salvador Perez, loading the bases. He then struck out designated hitter Carter Jensen before surrendering a grand slam to second baseman Jonathan India, increasing Kansas City's lead to 12-1. Kent finished the inning, then allowed another run in the seventh on a solo homer from center fielder Kyle Isbel. He ended the night with just one earned run allowed on three hits and three walks with two strikeouts across 1 2/3 innings. The Royals won the game 13-9.

Kent's next outing was a bit better; last night, the righty allowed one run on one hit and two walks over two innings. The lone run came on an RBI triple from Yandy Díaz.

Fans can expect to see Kent back in the majors at some point in the season. As for Acton, the new Twin has an opportunity to prove he belongs to remain in the big leagues. But, as stated earlier, Acton will most likely be shuffled between the minors and majors throughout the year.