Is Duran a realistic option for a reliever this year?

[CBtwinsfan]

Duran will probably have problems with his arm as a starting pitcher.  With his plus fastball and secondary pitches I think he would be a realistic pitcher this year in the majors.  He has pitched in all parts of the minor leagues.  What does everyone think?

[PseudoSABR]

They'll give him every opportunity to start. See, e.g., Lewis Thorpe who the team converted to a reliever in his last option year.

[Doctor Gast]

He looked pretty good today. I say he's close to be called up as a reliever. Maybe who knows he could develop into a starter.

[stringer bell]

He looks like he’s got big league stuff. What is best for him and the team?

[Rosterman]

He will be available if someone crashes, that's for sure. The question is does he start at AA or AAA this season. There is a pitching logjam between prospects on the 40-man and too many free agents right now at both of the upper levels. There are guys from High A that should be advancing, as well as Wind Surge guys that should be at AAA to start the season.

[Mike Sixel]

I'd move him there now.....

[specialiststeve]

2 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

I'd move him there now.....

His stuff is filthy... most think he is going to end up as a closer.. I would use him as an "opener" like TB does with their guys.. 2-3 innings and once through the lineup... if he looks decent expand his innings 3-4... 4-5... 5-6... slow but sure. Get him up ... 

[Crackedfungo]

2 hours ago, specialiststeve said:

His stuff is filthy... most think he is going to end up as a closer.. I would use him as an "opener" like TB does with their guys.. 2-3 innings and once through the lineup... if he looks decent expand his innings 3-4... 4-5... 5-6... slow but sure. Get him up ... 

He has some of the best stuff you will see from a past or current Twins player.  The 100 mph combined with the Splinker at 95 and a normal sinker keep hitters from ever getting comfortable.  It is ALL about health with him.  He could be a phenomenal starter or reliever IF he stays healthy.  I wouldn't waste any more 'bullets' in the minors if it was my call.....

[bean5302]

The very same stuff people said about Fernando Romero. Accolades rained down from the skies.

Duran had a 7.3 BB/9 in AAA and gave up 9.0 H/9. Basically, he got hit fairly hard and was totally unable to throw strikes. His strikeout rate of 12.4 K/9 is very good, but hardly elite in the minors.

Then there is the fact he did the "rest and rehab" approach to his elbow strain. Considering Duran has pitched 16 innings in the past 2 years, I'd be surprised to see him at the MLB level, but if he does make it, a relief role feels far more likely than a starting rotation job.

[AKTwins]

He hasn’t pitched much the last 2 years, so tough to project.  I think he can help in the bullpen later in the year after the team sees how his arm holds up.  He could also be a a guy who pitches 3-4 innings after an opener.  In any event, if he is healthy, i think he pitches at the mlb level this year in some way, shape or form.

[LewFordLives]

I think his stuff can play in the majors now. I think the best way he can help the Twins now is in the bullpen, but as he gets enough major league innings under his belt transition to a starter if they think his body can handle it. ( Similar to Johan Santana)

[mikelink45]

I would give him a year in the RP role and hope to get him enough work to put him in the rotation when someone goes down or fails.  

[CBtwinsfan]

I'm hoping they're thinking a reliever role this year at the majors level then starter the next.  The Johan Santana did it, then Liriano did it.  With him as a reliever and with what we have our relievers would be top notch.  One more quality starting pitcher then I will really be excited about this year.

[TopGunn#22]

I agree with the guys who suggest using the Santana/Liriano model.  Use him out of the pen (or as an opener) and see how things go.  BIG arms can flame out pretty quickly so I'd like to see the Twins get him up to the big league team, be careful with him, and see what develops.  With his stuff, he and Taylor Rogers could be VERY effective near the end of ballgames.  At worst, I'd have him at St. Paul for a bit and then get him up to the Twins.  

[gman]

When you watch him pitch he looks like a front of the rotation starter. He didn't pitch in 2020 but how many minor leaguers did? I'm not in the camp of always turning our most promising starters into relievers. Obviously our full season  "train on your own" in 2020 was not well managed for our minor league pitchers. But maybe with the way the rules were set for that year it was as good as it could be.

[tony&rodney]

Duran sure has an arm worth looking at and this may be what other teams think too. He could go as one of the parts in a trade and I'm good with that if the return is a solid starting pitcher. Duran reminds me of Graterol or Romero. Duran could front a rotation, be a closer, or bust and with the dozen pitching prospects available it makes sense to use a few for an experienced guy.