Should Headrick Be In The Twins Bullpen?

[DocBauer]

I've never been one to rush a starting pitcher to the pen if they show any sort of legitimate promise as a potential rotation option. Sometimes all it takes is something "clicking" mentally in their approach, or that one extra pitch that suddenly gets harnessed on a consistent basis, and they are suddenly a legitimate ML rotation option. And let's be honest, even with Mahle out for the year, and Maeda a question mark, the current rotation is still very good. But the depth has been thinned. 

Right now, if the Twins need another starter, they are looking at Headrick, the talented but struggling SWR, the recently stretched out but not ready Balazovic, the converted to the pen Sands and Winder, who have previously been starters, and a trio of journeymen that includes Rodriguez, De Leon, and Sanchez. Even Dobnak might not be an unreasonable option at some point. Encouraging? Maybe not. Desperate? Not necessarily. 

But what remains most important is the roster and winning of the Twins. With Thielbar currently out, hopefully briefly, Moran is the only LH in the pen. I believe in the potential of Moran. And he's been looking better recently. And while he's known for reverse splits, he's not bad against LH batters. But should the Twins have Headrick in the pen right now for a second lefty?

Again, I don't want to move a potential starter too early to the pen. And Headrick might be a solid starting option if needed. In SSS with the Twins, he's shown some moxy and decent stuff so far. But shouldn't immediate need in the Twins pen outweigh any "what if" scenario in the moment?

My question is, with Thielbar out right now, should Headrick be in the Twins pen right now to provide another LH option?

[Althebum82]

Great question.  Headrick has been impressive so far, that's for sure.  But, for now, it's Rodriguez's turn to keep or lose a bullpen job, so it is premature to bring back Headrick until he or someone else proves to no longer belong on the 26 man roster.

[Althebum82]

10 minutes ago, Althebum82 said:

Great question.  Headrick has been impressive so far, that's for sure.  But, for now, it's Rodriguez's turn to keep or lose a bullpen job, so it is premature to bring back Headrick until he or someone else proves to no longer belong on the 26 man roster.

Crap, nevermind.  Alcala down, Headrick up.  And, Rodriguez is now coming in for mop-up duty with the team down by three in the ninth.  An argument could be made to bring up Sands or Jordan B before Headrick, though.

[stringer bell]

9 hours ago, Althebum82 said:

Crap, nevermind.  Alcala down, Headrick up.  And, Rodriguez is now coming in for mop-up duty with the team down by three in the ninth.  An argument could be made to bring up Sands or Jordan B before Headrick, though.

Headrick threw five innings for the Saints today. An immediate change could be Sands (unfortunately I approve). Rodriguez only threw about 10 pitches, so he’s likely to stick around. 

[Doctor Wu]

9 hours ago, Althebum82 said:

Crap, nevermind.  Alcala down, Headrick up.  And, Rodriguez is now coming in for mop-up duty with the team down by three in the ninth.  An argument could be made to bring up Sands or Jordan B before Headrick, though.

Wow, I missed that! Alcala didn't last long this time, but then again, he wasn't looking very good either. I'm still not sold on Headrick but he has pitched well in the short time he's been called up. Starter or reliever? Once again, I don't have a strong opinion, but use him where you can. 

[stringer bell]

3 minutes ago, Doctor Wu said:

Wow, I missed that! Alcala didn't last long this time, but then again, he wasn't looking very good either. I'm still not sold on Headrick but he has pitched well in the short time he's been called up. Starter or reliever? Once again, I don't have a strong opinion, but use him where you can. 

I haven't seen anything about Alcala being optioned. I believe the poster was calling for the move, but to my knowledge, it hasn't been done.

[Squirrel]

2 hours ago, stringer bell said:

I haven't seen anything about Alcala being optioned. I believe the poster was calling for the move, but to my knowledge, it hasn't been done.

Rodriguez down, Sands recalled

[weitz41]

I could see Headrick in the pen till Thielbar comes back. Long term I think you hold out for him to be a starter. Plenty of guys have spent time in the pen and end up as a starter. I'd guess Sanchez would be the next man up on the starter depth. As you pointed out SWR hasn't been good lately and Blaz hasn't thrown more than what 3? innings in an outing.

You have me wondering about AA (Enlow and Festa)..but that would take a 40 man move..So even less likely. 

The depth has definitely thinned out a bit over the last couple weeks.

[stringer bell]

The one long guy who has been impressive is Headrick. Sands and Alcalá both have shown they have a lot to work on and shouldn’t be relied on. I’d reward Balazovic for his comeback at Triple A as a multiple inning reliever, the other guy? I dunno, Ortega?