Looking to Find a Diamond in the Rough, the Twins Have Claimed Jewell

[Seth Stohs]

Teams never have enough pitching, and on Wednesday, the Guardians announced that the Twins have claimed right-handed pitcher Jake Jewell from the Cleveland Guardians. Find out more about the 29-year-old below. 

The Guardians have announced the move. The Twins have not as of this moment. However, MLB Trade Rumors has run with it, crediting the Guardians with the announcement. 

Jake Jewell was the fifth-round pick of the Los Angeles Angels back in 2014 after playing at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. He has spent parts of three seasons in the big leagues going back to 2018. He is able to be optioned through the rest of this season, so he likely just provides some depth to the organization and help for the St. Paul Saints down the stretch. He also has just over one year of service time, so if he would show something, they would have several years of team control. 

The Twins had an open spot on their 40-man roster, so they do not have to make a corresponding move to make room. 

Jewell made his debut with three games out of the Angels bullpen in 2018 when he was 25. The next season, he worked in 18 games in Anaheim. In 2021, he worked in 10 games for the Chicago Cubs before spending Triple-A time with both the Giants and Dodgers organizations. In 38 total big-league games and 38 1/3 innings, he has a 7.75 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP and 34 strikeouts. 

This season, Jewell has pitched in 36 games for the Columbus Clippers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. He has 48 strikeouts and 15 walks in 43 1/3 innings. He is 2-2 with four saves and a 2.49 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP.  

Over most of his career, Jewell has averaged about 94-95 mph with his fastball. He also has thrown a significant percentage of sliders (nearly 30%) in the mid-80s. He also can throw a changeup, though it isn't his best pitch. Knowing the Twins, I think it's fair to assume that the Twins will have him increase his slider usage. 

He has been generally healthy, though he did miss time with an ankle injury in 2018. 

An organization never has enough pitching, and signing a pitcher like Jewell simply gives them another option if needed.  

 

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[Sean.h]

nice little depth pickup

[DocBauer]

I like this move. He's an under the radar arm who's had some success and has experience. He helps St Paul and might do a fill-in job with the Twins if the injury bug isn't done with us.

I also liked the Peacock addition for the same reason.

Almosr every year you try to have 1 or 2 guys at the end of the 40 man who might help, but you can risk losing to clear a roster spot. You also want a couple guys like Minaya and Coulombe who can get invites as milb FA who could surprise and fit in at some point. Truth is, I'm not sure the Twins haven't done better on the milb invites than they have on the fringe 40 man guys. 

Getting a couple of these guys now just might give a leg up on brining them back for 2023. Hoping Sanchez might be one of those guys. Looks like a completely different pitcher since he came to the Twins.

[jkcarew]

Didn’t read the article, but judging by the photos, he must throw a ton of wild pitches with runners on third ??

[Doctor Gast]

59 minutes ago, jkcarew said:

Didn’t read the article, but judging by the photos, he must throw a ton of wild pitches with runners on third ??

Yeah, it's a wierd photo, you'd think that the runner should slide in that situation

[nicksaviking]

Interesting that his K, BB, Hit and HR numbers have changed quite a bit the last two years in he minors. 
 

Maybe it’s just getting out of the dreaded PCL? Or maybe he’s got new pitches? If you’re going to find a player with a late career transformation, it most likely will be a relief pitcher. Good luck all around.

[D.C Twins]

Yaaaaaawn....

[Whitey333]

Not a bad pickup but nothing exciting.  He and peacock are probably going to be used for next year's bargain basement pitching additions in advance.  

[twinsfan02]

7.75 ERA... why

[Karbo]

7.75 ERA? how exciting. Maybe he can save the bullpen!

[Danchat]

Megill also had some fairly awful numbers before this year, so it's worth a shot to see if Jewell can be groomed into something like him. I'd rather give him a shot then the likes of Thornburg/Minaya/etc.

[4twinsJA]

I don't mind this move, low risk, can DFA if 40 spot needed. I just would rather see spot give to Sisk to and let Sisk get some time at MLB level so see what he can  do. Could really use another LHP in BP.

[bean5302]

Sounds like the Twins might be getting ready to call some guys up and they need some MiLB roster filler.