The Top 5 Twins September Call-Up Options

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Minnesota Twins are trending towards the postseason, and while they currently have a lead in the AL Central, maintaining that down the stretch is a focal point. They’ll be given two extra roster spots on September 1, but who do they call upon?

 

Image courtesy of Landon Bost/Naples Daily News/USA TODAY Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK

Rule changes across Major League Baseball have drastically shifted how teams approach the month of September. While the active roster was expanded to 26 players in recent seasons, September adds just two spots as opposed to the previous 15. With an intention of keeping the game moving, there isn’t an opportunity for managers to mix and match as much throughout a game.

Rocco Baldelli will look to keep his starters fresh, and supplementing with a key addition or two could make sense. How the Twins manage that with players returning remains to be seen, however. Although Byron Buxton, Alex Kirilloff, Willi Castro, and even Brock Stewart won’t be ready on September 1, they should command the priority for additions as the month goes on.

Looking solely at the minor leagues, here are the five most likely options for Minnesota:

5. Ronny Henriquez
After starting the season behind schedule, Henriquez has not pitched for the Twins this year. Acquired in the Mitch Garver trade with the Texas Rangers, Henriquez is still among the youngest players at Triple-A. Since giving up five runs to the Iowa Cubs in early June, he owns a 3.65 ERA with a .691 OPS against. The command is still an issue with a 5.8 BB/9, but he has strikeout stuff and brings it at a relatively strong velocity. As a right-handed arm, the Twins could take another look at him to cycle in among the Cole Sands, Josh Winder, and Jordan Balazovic bullpen spots.

4. Chris Williams
If it seems like Williams made more sense prior to September, it’s because that would be the case. Williams is a catcher that has moved to first base, and he has done nothing but mash for the Saints. An eighth round pick back in 2018, Williams owns a .901 OPS in 2023 for St. Paul. He has hit for substantial power with 19 homers, and he’s done a good job taking walks as well. Batting from the right side, it seemed to make sense that he would be promoted once Alex Kirilloff went down. Not on the 40-man, the Twins would need to make a move, but that shouldn’t be hard to do if they really want to give him a look.

3. Michael Boyle
Out of professional baseball since 2019, the Twins signed him as a free agent in 2022. Boyle worked just 11 1/3 innings last year before pitching at Double and Triple-A this year. He’s a lefty that has combined for a 2.53 ERA across 46 1/3 innings for Wichita and St. Paul this season. After posting a 29/9 K/BB at Double-A, he owns a 23/18 K/BB with the Saints. The walks are absolutely a problem and will be the reason he is overlooked, but he doesn’t give up hits and keeps the ball in the yard. Also in need of a 40-man spot, Boyle could give the Twins help from a southpaw not named Caleb Thielbar.

2. Austin Martin
It has taken a while for Martin to find his footing with Minnesota, but we finally have appeared to reach that point. The former Blue Jays prospect that was at the center of the Jose Berrios trade, has come on strong for Triple-A St. Paul. He’s not a good infielder, but can play on the dirt. He may be an exceptional outfielder, and looks the part in center. He started slow after rehabbing an arm injury, but has been on fire over his last 23 games. He has posted a .347/.438/.547 slash line in those contests, and brings good speed on the base paths. It seems unlikely the Twins would allow Martin to take WIlli Castro’s spot, but he could probably accomplish the same results with a higher ceiling.

1. Kody Funderburk
If not Boyle, then it’s absolutely Funderburk. Drafted in the 15th round back in 2018, Funderburk reached Triple-A for the first time this season. Across 47 1/3 innings he owns a 2.47 ERA along with a 70/19 K/BB. Why he hasn’t been promoted already is anyone’s guess, and it has been to the detriment of Minnesota by not doing so. Sands, Winder, and Balazovic have each been hit around from the right side in their brief time with the Twins. Funderburk would immediately give the Twins another lefty, and possibly emerge as a talent capable of sticking in the pen. He should be rostered in September, and keeping him around for the postseason should results warrant it, makes all the sense in the world.

Recently Hans Birkeland took a look at many names on the Saints roster with an eye towards September. With some of them unmentioned here, there are a couple of others worth monitoring. Who would you like to see the Twins promote next month?

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[Ricky Vaughn]

I would like to see a couple new faces in September, especially in the pen. However it will be people coming off the injured list who fill those spots.

[DJL44]

Top 5 position player candidates for the extra roster spot

1) Byron Buxton

2) Alex Kirilloff

3) Willi Castro

4) Nick Gordon

5) Trevor Larnach

Top 5 pitcher candidates

1) Joe Ryan

2) Louie Varland

3) Jordan Balazovic

4) Brent Headrick

5) Jovani Moran

Chris Paddack is possible but he hasn't even started a rehab assignment yet.

 

Bottom line, I doubt they add anyone to the 40 man roster. I think they keep Keuchel in the bullpen and leave Funderburk in AAA.

[TNtwins85]

I’m surprised to this point that Funderburk hasn’t been called up yet. Especially while Cole sands sits in the bullpen day in day out. Would be nice to see what we’ve got there and whether he’s a playoff piece or someone more for next years bullpen. I’m guessing they didn’t expect Moran to fall so hard on his face. Anyways, hopefully we can get a look at him in the bigs!

[NotAboutWinning]

I would love to see any of these guys in a Twins uniform! I don’t see how it will happen. The FO will not part with under performing vets or bench players who have saved the team so far. Those 2 additional September 1st spots will go to players returning from the IL 🫤

[roger]

Add me to those who believe the two roster spots will go to vets coming off the IL.  Expect there is a chance that both spots go to position players to get Buxton, AK and Castro back with only one current player being sent out (likely Ludlow, sp?).  Finding a second position player gets real tough as Wallner, Julien and Lewis aren't going anywhere.  I know lots of you believe they should DFA Gallo, I won't disagee but will be surprised if they do that.   

[Karbo]

23 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Top 5 position player candidates for the extra roster spot

1) Byron Buxton

2) Alex Kirilloff

3) Willi Castro

4) Nick Gordon

5) Trevor Larnach

Top 5 pitcher candidates

1) Joe Ryan

2) Louie Varland

3) Jordan Balazovic

4) Brent Headrick

5) Jovani Moran

Chris Paddack is possible but he hasn't even started a rehab assignment yet.

 

Bottom line, I doubt they add anyone to the 40 man roster. I think they keep Keuchel in the bullpen and leave Funderburk in AAA.

I agree that they will use the call ups for injured players returning to health. However, I think down the stretch they will go with 6 starters to give them all some rest. Of course that depends on which version of Keuchel is the truth.

[SD happy]

I wonder if/when Buxton, Kiriloff and Castro come back, if Gallo’s bothersome ankle, knee, back or whatever flairs up and he will be put on the IL.

[TwinsDr2021]

2 minutes ago, roger said:

Add me to those who believe the two roster spots will go to vets coming off the IL.  Expect there is a chance that both spots go to position players to get Buxton, AK and Castro back with only one current player being sent out (likely Ludlow, sp?).  Finding a second position player gets real tough as Wallner, Julien and Lewis aren't going anywhere.  I know lots of you believe they should DFA Gallo, I won't disagee but will be surprised if they do that.   

Here is why Gallo won't be gone ( and he should be)

August

36 AB, 194 AVG, .370 OBP, .444 SLG - 20 K's, 3 homers - 0 Doubles - Gallo

52 AB, .212 AVG, .293 OBP, .500 SLG - 20 K's,  4 homers - 3 Doubles - Wallner

They are afraid of getting rid of Gallo because he and Wallner are the same except he can play more defense.

 

As for who they can bring up, it has to be guys on the 40 man, who are they going to cut?

 

 

 

[Mike Sixel]

Twins are near the bottom of the majors in CF production....and it isn't close. Martin should be the starting CF right now. If it doesn't work, put MAT back in.....DFA Gallo or Sands to make room.

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

still not sure why Stevenson gets no love

 

[JD-TWINS]

32 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Top 5 position player candidates for the extra roster spot

1) Byron Buxton

2) Alex Kirilloff

3) Willi Castro

4) Nick Gordon

5) Trevor Larnach

Top 5 pitcher candidates

1) Joe Ryan

2) Louie Varland

3) Jordan Balazovic

4) Brent Headrick

5) Jovani Moran

Chris Paddack is possible but he hasn't even started a rehab assignment yet.

 

Bottom line, I doubt they add anyone to the 40 man roster. I think they keep Keuchel in the bullpen and leave Funderburk in AAA.

The good news is Kuechel - Funderburk - Ryan can displace guys in the current bullpen. No extra spaces needed. Especially if Floro would develop a blister or have a back strain………Winder/Sands can be optioned along with Ober, since he could really use missing 2 starts to refresh.

Kirilloff - Castro - Buxton in order of importance for the 2 extra spots. Gallo/Luplow are potential guys that can create openings.

13 pitchers & 15 bats in September…..

12 pitchers & 14 bats in October……maybe as few as 11 pitchers?? 4 in rotation & 7 in Pen seems to work with a day off every 3rd or 4th day.

[Mike Sixel]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Twins are near the bottom of the majors in CF production....and it isn't close. Martin should be the starting CF right now. If it doesn't work, put MAT back in.....DFA Gallo or Sands to make room.

to be clear, I don't expect this. For some reason they are content with guys that can't produce heading into the playoffs, instead of taking a chance to be better. Fear is no way to win anything in life.

[JD-TWINS]

14 minutes ago, SD happy said:

I wonder if/when Buxton, Kiriloff and Castro come back, if Gallo’s bothersome ankle, knee, back or whatever flairs up and he will be put on the IL.

He’ll have an aliment for sure if they are ready prior to Roster Expansion. Great way to keep him accessible w/o clogging roster.

[DJL44]

31 minutes ago, Karbo said:

However, I think down the stretch they will go with 6 starters to give them all some rest.

Great. Looking forward to seeing the adjustments Varland has made.

[Road trip]

32 minutes ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

Here is why Gallo won't be gone ( and he should be)

August

36 AB, 194 AVG, .370 OBP, .444 SLG - 20 K's, 3 homers - 0 Doubles - Gallo

52 AB, .212 AVG, .293 OBP, .500 SLG - 20 K's,  4 homers - 3 Doubles - Wallner

They are afraid of getting rid of Gallo because he and Wallner are the same except he can play more defense.

 

 

Correct, if you ignore May, June, and July, Gallo and Wallner are equally productive 🙄

For the year, Wallner's OPS is .858.   Gallo's is .751.   While we don't know that Wallner can maintain .858 for the duration of the year, Gallo's track record is very well established.  It's hard to believe, but Gallo was even worse last year!

 

[big dog]

37 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

to be clear, I don't expect this. For some reason they are content with guys that can't produce heading into the playoffs, instead of taking a chance to be better. Fear is no way to win anything in life.

To be fair, I believe Kiriloff got his first MLB at-bat in a playoff game, didn't he? There's at least some shot that it might happen again.

[nicksaviking]

42 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Twins are near the bottom of the majors in CF production....and it isn't close. Martin should be the starting CF right now. If it doesn't work, put MAT back in.....DFA Gallo or Sands to make room.

Yeah, wish the Twins had called up Martin or another of the young guys sooner to compete for the spot. A September call up would be great, but it likely won't be enough games to make the front office comfortable going into next year with them in key spots.

I mean, had the Twins called up Wallner sooner last year to give him enough reps, maybe we don't go through this whole Gallo fiasco in the first place. Had they given Miranda a good run in 2021, maybe he would have been the opening day 3B, the Twins don't trade for Urshela, and Spencer Steer would have been among the fist call ups and wouldn't have been traded. 

I'd like the blame the Vazquez signing on the team's reluctance to play Jeffers over Sanchez, but if memory serves, Jeffers was injured multiple times last year.

Bottom line, twiddling their thumbs with these young guys when there are average-at-best vets on the 26-man roster is not productive.

[chaderic20]

I just want to say, if Funderburk is called up, and his intro music when coming in from the 'pen isn't "Thunderstruck" I will be sorely disappointed.

[FlyingFinn]

1 hour ago, roger said:

I know lots of you believe they should DFA Gallo, I won't disagee but will be surprised if they do that.   

I don't know how the Twins don't DFA or IL Gallo if all of Buxton, Kirilloff and Castro come back.

Funderburk in the bullpen would be my choice of the five for this year. Don't like his walks, how about trying out Regi Grace as I think he will have to be added to the 40 man roster this winter or be taken in the Rule 5 draft. Others have made the jump from AA. Winder and Sands can be optioned, Ryan goes in the rotation and Keuchel is our long man for now. (Miranda or Alcala could go to the 60 day IL to make room for Grace/Funderburk).

[RpR]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

to be clear, I don't expect this. For some reason they are content with guys that can't produce heading into the playoffs, instead of taking a chance to be better. Fear is no way to win anything in life.

Neithver is the equivalent of throwing the crap dice heading into the playoffs.

[TwinsDr2021]

38 minutes ago, Road trip said:

Correct, if you ignore May, June, and July, Gallo and Wallner are equally productive 🙄

For the year, Wallner's OPS is .858.   Gallo's is .751.   While we don't know that Wallner can maintain .858 for the duration of the year, Gallo's track record is very well established.  It's hard to believe, but Gallo was even worse last year!

 

I said before the season I hated the Gallo signing, and have said all season to cut him. I am not trying to defend him. To be fair I haven't been on the Wallner bandwagon. I am also NOT saying Wallner isn't better than Gallo, because IMO he is. But people seem to be claiming he is the answer and the future of the Twins outfield. And the last two months he is exactly the player Gallo is. I would have loved to see Martin up, Keirsey up, but like I said above I don't believe anybody is being cut from the 40 to bring another player up.

But lets look at July.

43 AB, .209 AVG, .307 OBP, .512 SLG - 17 K's,  4 homers - 1 Doubles -

August

52 AB, .212 AVG, .293 OBP, .500 SLG - 20 K's,  4 homers - 3 Doubles - Wallner

 

[TwinsDr2021]

36 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Yeah, wish the Twins had called up Martin or another of the young guys sooner to compete for the spot. A September call up would be great, but it likely won't be enough games to make the front office comfortable going into next year with them in key spots.

I mean, had the Twins called up Wallner sooner last year to give him enough reps, maybe we don't go through this whole Gallo fiasco in the first place. Had they given Miranda a good run in 2021, maybe he would have been the opening day 3B, the Twins don't trade for Urshela, and Spencer Steer would have been among the fist call ups and wouldn't have been traded. 

I'd like the blame the Vazquez signing on the team's reluctance to play Jeffers over Sanchez, but if memory serves, Jeffers was injured multiple times last year.

Bottom line, twiddling their thumbs with these young guys when there are average-at-best vets on the 26-man roster is not productive.

💯I have been saying the same thing for a while now (probably not as well as you just did)

[Road trip]

31 minutes ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

I said before the season I hated the Gallo signing, and have said all season to cut him. I am not trying to defend him. To be fair I haven't been on the Wallner bandwagon. I am also NOT saying Wallner isn't better than Gallo, because IMO he is. But people seem to be claiming he is the answer and the future of the Twins outfield. And the last two months he is exactly the player Gallo is. I would have loved to see Martin up, Keirsey up, but like I said above I don't believe anybody is being cut from the 40 to bring another player up.

But lets look at July.

43 AB, .209 AVG, .307 OBP, .512 SLG - 17 K's,  4 homers - 1 Doubles -

August

52 AB, .212 AVG, .293 OBP, .500 SLG - 20 K's,  4 homers - 3 Doubles - Wallner

 

Wallner's July, which you seem to think is bad, is an .819 OPS.  That's quite good in 2023.  An OPS+ of 123.  The only Twins getting regular ABs with higher OPS for the year are Julien and Jeffers.  Too many strikeouts?  Yes, I also wish the number was lower, but he isn't striking out at the same rate as Gallo.

Do I know Wallner's a long term answer?  Heck no.  He could be the next Oswaldo Arcia, Marty Cordova, Bobby Kielty, or any other number of young Twins who looked good for a year, but then faltered.  Wallner's thoroughly scouted now, and he'll have to make adjustments.  In a year or two we will know if he can.  For now, give him a chance, as he's the best option the Twins have for 2023.  I'm not full bandwagon, but I do know at this point I like Wallner's chances at the plate more than Gallo's (or Larnach's, or other LF alternatives they could roster).

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, RpR said:

Neithver is the equivalent of throwing the crap dice heading into the playoffs.

The paralyzing fear of the unknown when the known is already not acceptable, is a loser's mentality. I want no part of it.

What if the new thing is implausibly even worse than this thing we have which is already the worst?!?!?

Nothing, that's what. You still fail the test if you score a 40% or a 50%.

[TwinsDr2021]

27 minutes ago, Road trip said:

Wallner's July, which you seem to think is bad, is an .819 OPS.  That's quite good in 2023.  An OPS+ of 123.  The only Twins getting regular ABs with higher OPS for the year are Julien and Jeffers.  Too many strikeouts?  Yes, I also wish the number was lower, but he isn't striking out at the same rate as Gallo.

Do I know Wallner's a long term answer?  Heck no.  He could be the next Oswaldo Arcia, Marty Cordova, Bobby Kielty, or any other number of young Twins who looked good for a year, but then faltered.  Wallner's thoroughly scouted now, and he'll have to make adjustments.  In a year or two we will know if he can.  For now, give him a chance, as he's the best option the Twins have for 2023.  I'm not full bandwagon, but I do know at this point I like Wallner's chances at the plate more than Gallo's (or Larnach's, or other LF alternatives they could roster).

I am not saying July was bad, I am just pointing out that him and Gallo are the same player(type of player), low BA, Lower OBP and a SLG that depends on them hitting homers. Wallner hits a few more doubles on average and Gallo walks a bit more on average.

Since July 17th Wallner's BA has dropped from .350 to .237 his OBP has dropped from .500 to .341, his SLG has dipped a bit from .550 to .518 (not saying this one is bad)

Which goes to my original point they are not cutting Gallo because basically him and Wallner are the same player but Gallo has more defense and money of course.

I would take Wallner over Gallo in a heartbeat and believe he should have been given more time last year and more time this year to see if he is a part of the 24 team and beyond. As of now and if his hitting trend continues, I have to say he isn't, if he was a couple of years younger I would say give him a chance but he turns 26 this off season. 

(IMO there are probably a dozen guys in the minors that I think are better players than Gallo, but none were given a chance because he is a Twin)

 

[TopGunn#22]

Other than the obvious guys like Buxton & Kiriloff (Castro too) I would/could see Funderburk and Martin.  

[big dog]

I didn't like the Gallo signing, but I've been wrong before. However, at this point I think we have a big enough pile of sheep entrails to make a really good prediction about how the baseball gods are feeling about this signing. (If you aren't reading the thread on analytics, you can either be puzzled or just move on with your life.)

[RpR]

49 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

The paralyzing fear of the unknown when the known is already not acceptable, is a loser's mentality. I want no part of it.

What if the new thing is implausibly even worse than this thing we have which is already the worst?!?!?

Nothing, that's what. You still fail the test if you score a 40% or a 50%.

Street hustlers thrive off of that attitude, and I have family connections to know that.

AAA rookies belong in AAA until they have proven they have outgrown the AAA, which is difficult as AAA pitching is a long way from Major League pitching, so what you desire is a fool's folly.

[mnfireman]

Buxton, Kirilloff and Castro are givens once eligible to return, with Luplow being sent out. I think the toughest call is if/when Gordon is ready - he is out of options - but I guess I can see Wallner getting sent down again.