When analyzing the Twins' bullpen, it's tough to determine who will be on the Opening Day roster. As of now, it appears that relievers Anthony Banda, Taylor Rogers, Cole Sands, Justin Topa and Eric Orze are locks to make the Opening Day roster. It may be safe to assume that Andrew Chafin will make the team as well. That leaves two open spots, with Liam Hendriks, Zak Kent, John Klein and Kody Funderburk being options.
Another reliever who has a chance to make the Twins' Opening Day roster is righty Dan Altavilla. He seemed like a long shot to do so when spring training began, but he has drastically improved his chances in recent weeks.
Dan Altavilla may make Twins' 26-man roster due to increased velocity, strong spring
The Twins signed Altavilla, 33, to a minor-league deal in mid-December. He's been at the Twins' big-league camp as a non-roster invitee this spring.
Altavilla posted a solid 2.49 ERA in 29 innings with the Chicago White Sox last season, but he was released in September, likely due to his below-average strikeout (17.5%) and walk rates (12.5%).
Once the Twins kept piling on bullpen additions, Altavilla's odds of making Minnesota's Opening Day roster significantly decreased. But he's looked sharp this spring, making it difficult for the Twins to justify leaving the righty off their 26-man roster.
Last season, Altavilla averaged 96 mph on his fastball. It appears he has worked on increasing his velocity this offseason, as The Minnesota Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale reported that the righty averaged 97-98 mph during a live batting practice session last month.
With his increased velocity on full display, Altavilla has looked sharp during three spring training outings with the Twins, combining for three perfect innings with three strikeouts. He also hurled a scoreless inning with Team Italy during an exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday.
Along with his sinker and four-seamer, which have both hit above 97 mph this spring, Altavilla has shown off a slider and a changeup, which have both reached the low 90s.
Dan Altavilla has left Twins camp to join Team Italy for WBC
Altavilla will have the chance to further improve his odds of making Minnesota's Opening Day roster while playing for Team Italy during the WBC. Italy is in Pool B, which includes the USA, Mexico, Brazil and Great Britain. Team USA has the strongest roster in the tournament, and Team Mexico has plenty of big-leaguers as well.
If Altavilla gets an opportunity to pitch against Team USA and/or Team Mexico, the righty can increase his odds of making the Twins' Opening Day roster if he looks sharp against one or both of the star-studded lineups. Many believe Team Italy could make it past pool play as well, which could give Altavilla the chance to pitch in the knockout round.