Article: Potential September Call Ups: 40 Man Roster

[Seth Stohs]

Last night, we wrote about which players not currently on the 40-man roster could be added for September. Today, we will take a look at the members of the current 40- man roster and try to determine how many of them might be promoted for the season’s final month.

 

As I’ve said various times, a few will come up on September 1, and more will come up following Labor Day when Rochester’s season comes to an end. Chattanooga will be in the playoffs, so anyone from that roster would likely not be promoted until after they are done.A reminder, the “Odds” that I provide at the end of each player’s section is just my opinion based on several years of watching and following the Twins. One thing I’ve learned from all those years is that you never know. There always seems to be a surprise or two.

 

Let’s get to the list. Which of these players currently on the 40-man roster do you think will get called up in September?

 

JOSMIL PINTO – Catcher

 

Pinto missed a few months after suffering another concussion. He has returned in the last two weeks, but he is only DHing. In fact, Assistant GM Rob Antony told Cory Provus on Inside Twins that he will not catch any more this year. They still intend on him catching moving forward. He is out of options in 2016, and he could provide a solid pinch-hitting option with some power. Odds: 25%

 

AJ ACHTER – Right-Handed Relief Pitcher

 

Achter continued his dominance of minor leaguers in 2015. He was one of just a couple of Twins minor league relievers with a WHIP well-under 1.00. Finally in August he got about two weeks with the big league club. He gave up six runs on five hits and two walks over his first two outings (a combined 1.1 innings). After that, he had four more outings and threw six shutout innings, allowing just two base runners. The 27-year-old former 46^th round draft pick should continue to get opportunities. Odds: 95%

 

LOGAN DARNELL – Left-Handed Pitcher

 

The 26-year-old southpaw has not appeared in a big league game in 2015 after making seven appearances (four starts) for the Twins in 2014. The decision was made in spring training to have him pitch out of the bullpen. In his first 29 games (44 IP) this season, mostly out of the bullpen, he posted a 4.30 ERA and opponents hit .309 off of him. He was recently moved to the starting rotation. In four starts, he has given up just two runs over 28 innings (0.64 ERA). Opponents have hit just .143 off of him in that time frame. Odds: 48%

 

ALEX MEYER – Right-Handed Pitcher

 

After posting a 7.09 ERA through eight starts, Meyer was moved to the bullpen where he was much improved. He even got into two games with the Twins in late June, but they went horribly. After really struggling in July, he has been pretty good. In his last seven outings (16.2 innings), he has given up just two earned runs (1.08 ERA) on 11 hits, seven walks and 14 strikeouts. Meyer might be on enough of a roll that he could help out for a couple of innings here and there in September. Odds: 55%

 

DANNY SANTANA – Shortstop

 

Santana hasn’t been great since being sent down to Rochester, but he has been magnificent the last five days… with GM Terry Ryan in attendance. He has multiple hits in each of those five games. He is 12-21 in that stretch and on Saturday hit two home runs. He played center field that night. The team has talked about adding someone with speed who can pinch run. Well, Santana fits in that category and can provide depth at shortstop or in center field down the stretch. Odds: 99%

 

MICHAEL TONKIN – Right-Handed Relief Pitcher

 

Double-digit times, Tonkin has been called up to the Twins and sent down to Rochester. He hasn’t been able to take a step in the big leagues, but he’s never really had much of a shot either. In Rochester in July, he went 15 innings without allowing a run. He gave up one run on August 4^th and since then he has gone nearly ten more innings without another run scoring. What more can he do? Odds: 99%

 

KENNYS VARGAS – First Base/DH

 

Most games, the Twins have no threat off the bench. Vargas, despite any struggles he has had this year, can certainly provide a power threat. As Nick wrote last week, not only was he not showing power, but he had no control of the strike zone. On Sunday, he went 1-2 with two walks and a home run. That’s the kind of production that should get him recalled soon. In his last 19 games with the Red Wings, he has four doubles and three homers while walking almost as much as he strikes out. He has made some strides. Odds: 99%

 

OSWALDO ARCIA – Outfielder

 

Arcia is just 24-years-old and has an OPS+ for his career four-percent above league average. After an injury early this season, he remained in Rochester and has been a miss since. He was hitting just .200/.257/.381 (.638) with 12 doubles and 12 RBI. Those numbers don’t even look terrible compared to what he has done of late. Prior to going 2-4 on Sunday, he had hit .104 (12-115) over his previous 33 games. He is already a statue in the outfield. The team has said that merit will play a large role in their September roster decisions. If that’s the case… Odds: 4%

 

AARON THOMPSON – Left-Handed Relief Pitcher

 

Through his first 28 appearances (mid-May), Thompson was solid, posting a 2.11 ERA. However, in his final 24 games with the Twins, his ERA was 10.64. He was mercifully sent down to Rochester. In 12.1 innings over 17 games with Rochester, he has a 4.38 ERA though he has given up runs in just four of those outings. Odds: 15%

 

JORGE POLANCO – Shortstop

 

Since his return from the big leagues to Double-A Chattanooga, he has hit just .245 in 23 games. For the second straight season, Polanco has had two cups of coffee. Defensively, he has continued to struggle at shortstop. He has 28 errors between his AA and AAA time, a fielding percentage of just .933, a career low. With Eduardo Escobar, Eduardo Nunez and (likely) Danny Santana able to play shortstop in September, Polanco’s role might just be as a pinch hitter. Odds: 30%

 

JASON WHEELER – Left-Handed Starting Pitchers

 

It’s been a tough season for Wheeler. He was added to the 40-man roster last winter and came to big league camp. He surprisingly began 2015 in Rochester despite only 12 starts in AA in 2014. He has made 15 starts with the Red Wings this year and gone 1-7 with a 6.58 ERA in 78 innings. In Chattanooga (9 starts), he is 4-2 with a 3.83 ERA. Odds: 0%

 

MAX KEPLER – First Base/Outfield

 

Kepler has been the Twins choice for minor league hitter of the month the last three months. Here at Twins Daily, he was player of the month in May and finished second in June and July. In 104 games with the Lookouts, he has hit .330/.416/.547 (.963). He has 32 doubles, 12 triples, nine home runs and 16 stolen bases. He has the ability to play first base and all three outfield positions. He will continue to play for the Lookouts through their regular season and in the Southern League playoffs, and he will certainly be Minor League Hitter of the Year in 2015. Will the 22-year-old join the Twins for the final two weeks of the season? Odds: 51%

 

 

Again, these are all just guesses based on following things for a long time (meaning, I’m old). Let us know what you think. Later today, we’ll discuss the players on the 40 man roster and which of them we think might be added for September.

 

 

SUMMARY (including Non-Roster Guys)

 

The 99% Club: AJ Achter, Danny Santana, Michael Tonkin, Kennys Vargas, (Eric Fryer)

Just Above 50% - Alex Meyer, Max Kepler, (JO Berrios)

Just Below 50% – Logan Darnell, (Mark Hamburger)

Will Get Some Consideration – Josmil Pinto, Jorge Polanco, (James Beresford, JT Chargois, Pat Dean)

 

 

So, from my opinion, there are five guys that are certain to be September call ups. There are five other guys who are going to be strongly considered but my confidence is only around 45-60% And, of course, there are another handful of players who deserve strong consideration for a September call up but for whatever reason likely will not be added.

 

So how many, and how, do you think will be promoted for September.

 

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[Shane Wahl]

Yep. Those five and Berrios.

[Vanimal46]

On the 99% club, the hitters are really the only thing of interest. I'm sorry but I'm done with Achter and Tonkin. They haven't proven anything except being AAA, borderline AAAA pitchers. Also hope to see Polanco get more than a cup of coffee to see if he's worth the hype. 

[Danchat]

Interesting. Derek Wetmore of 1500 ESPN thinks that Danny Santana will not get called up. 

 

If I were in charge, I'd take Fryer, Vargas, Kepler, Tonkin, Achter, Berrios, and either Meyer/Darnell.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Provus interviewed Antony who basically said it will be either Santana or Polanco, one but not both.

[Vanimal46]

Provus interviewed Antony who basically said it will be either Santana or Polanco, one but not both.

If that's the case then we need to start a "Pick-up Polanco" and "See ya Santana" ad campaign on TD.

[curt1965]

Danny Santana deserves to come up. He lost a year of development when he played CF and did very well (.319) last year. He had a disappointing early season, but he still has a chance to be in the picture in 2016. Not calling him up now would send a bad message to Santana and the Twins faithful who still believe in him.

[Squirrel]

I for sure want to see Pinto, Vargas and Kepler. Other than Berrios I'm really not sure on pitchers. Santana and/or Polanco? Hmm ... not sure, either.

[Mike Sixel]

I'd like Vargas, Kepler, a 3rd catcher and whatever pitchers they want on top of Berrios.

 

Not sure I care at all beyond that.

[shs_59]

My choices

 

1) AJ Achter

2) Eric Fryer  (though i wish Pinto was healthier)

3) Logan Darnell

4) Alex Meyer

5) Mike Tonkin

6) Danny Santana

7) James Beresford

....and wait for it  

 

8)  JOSE BERRIOS

 

if Berrios does not, than Pat Dean probably will instead

[sane]

If I were GM for two days, the following would take place:

1)Eric Fryer makes the 40-man roster by replacing Jason Wheeler, and is promoted.

2)JOBerrios makes the 40-man roster by replacing Aaron Thompson, and is promoted.

3)Hicks, Santana, Vargas, Tonkin, and Achter are recalled from Rochester.

Kepler and Polanco stay at Chattanooga for the playoffs.

Pinto and Meyer are reassigned to Chattanooga for the playoffs.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

If that's the case then we need to start a "Pick-up Polanco" and "See ya Santana" ad campaign on TD.

Works for me, though there's really no playing time to be had for either of them.

[sane]

After Chattanooga is eliminated from the playoffs, Kepler / Meyer are promoted and Pinto / Polanco are sent to Fall-Ball.

[Winston Smith]

Yep need Fryer up so they can use Hermann as a pinch swinger and still have a spare catcher. On a serious note if Hermann ever pinch swings again someone needs to be fired.

[amjgt]

With the issues the Twins have caused themselves recently, with overtaxing the bullpen, I see no reason not to call up the AAA pitchers that are on the 40-man roster.

 

Not that it has happened a ton recently, but it drives me crazy when useful bullpen arms pitch in blowout games. It will become even more of a problem without Graham. He was our "well, we don't want to tax the good pitchers" pitcher.

 

They will not be here to help us win the games they get in.... rather to help us win the games the day(s) after they get in.

[HitInAPinch]

I like the 5.  Twins need to find out what they've got in Vargas, Achter and Tonkin. 

The only development time Santana lost is when the Twins moved him back to short after a successful year as a CF.  Just like the bad move they made with Escobar.  Look where he is now....

 

Fryer?  Do the Twins really need a 3rd catcher?  A backup anything will not hit very well if the don't get consistent PA's.

[Thrylos]

I don't see Santana getting called up if Polanco and Arcia are not and I cannot see Tonkin getting called up if Meyer is not.  Same with Fryer and Pinto....

[SydneyTwinsFan]

Achter, Tonkin, Fryer, Vargas and one of Santana/Polanco are all givens I think.

I would like to see Arcia, Kepler, Pinto, Berrios and Meyer as well.

I know not all of these guys will see much playing time, but there is absolutely no reason why the team should ever be short of a PH option or relief arm to optimize match ups in September.

Edited September 1, 2015 by SydneyTwinsFan

[Seth Stohs]

As of tonight, reports from Rochester (Twins won't confirm anything until tomorrow) indicate that the Twins will call up AJ Achter, Michael Tonkin, Danny Santana, Kennys Vargas and Eric Fryer. 

 

Obviously more can and will be promoted in another week. 

[Danchat]

Mike Berardino @MikeBerardino

Source confirms: No call-up for ROC RHP Jose Berrios, at least for now. Has 1 start left for Red Wings.

 

 

 

Ugh.

[Dr. Evil]

I'm really pulling for those call up guys. Especially Vargas and Santana

[Ben Noble]

I hope they call Meyer up ASAP; he's been pitching a lot better lately and the gut says keeping that momentum going in The Show could be absolutely huge for him.