While the Minnesota Twins (13-18) have struggled to hit with runners in scoring position lately, the bullpen has clearly been the team's weak spot this season. Minnesota's relievers rank 27th among MLB teams in ERA (5.30), 28th in strikeout rate (19.7%) and last in opponent batting average (.272). Minnesota's bullpen woes were on full display on Wednesday. Entering the ninth inning with a 3-2 lead vs. the Seattle Mariners, the Twins called upon righty Eric Orze to close the game. Unfortunately, Orze surrendered the lead, allowing two runs on two singles and a walk while collecting just one out before being relieved by lefty Taylor Rogers, who gave up a run (charged to Orze) before finishing the inning. The Mariners won 5-3.
The Twins obviously need bullpen help. Minnesota has six relievers who have accumulated 12+ innings this year, and only two of them (lefty Kody Funderburk and righty Justin Topa) have ERAs below 4.00. And underlying metrics suggest Funderburk (5.69 FIP) and Topa (4.07 FIP) have been lucky. Given the team's bullpen issues, the Twins should attempt to acquire righty Carl Edwards Jr., whom the New York Mets designated for assignment on Thursday morning. Edwards joined a long list of Mets relievers who lost their 26-man roster spot after a short stint with the club this year.
Edwards could be solid short-term option for Twins as bullpen struggles continue
Obviously, it'd be preferable if Minnesota acquired a reliever like Michael Kopech. However, it seems unlikely the team would be willing to pay what a reliever of that caliber costs. Meanwhile, the Twins could pay Edwards the league minimum if they acquire him via a trade or waiver claim.
Edwards, 34, pitched well in two appearances with the Mets this season, allowing just one earned run on three hits and four walks with 11 strikeouts over six innings. He's bounced around the league after beginning his career with the Chicago Cubs (2015-19), logging MLB innings with the San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers. He sports a career 3.51 ERA with 345 strikeouts in 292 big-league innings.
If the Twins were to add Edwards, he likely wouldn't be on the team for long. But he could be a solid short-term option. The righty's pitch arsenal consists of a low-90s four-seamer (54% usage this year), a high-70s/low-80s curveball (30%) and a high-80s changeup (16%).
Add us as a preferred source on Google