After an Injury Barrage, How Much Starting Pitching Depth is Left for the Twins?

[Cody Christie]

Though well-positioned at the moment, the Twins are teetering on the brink of disaster, with many of the organization’s big-league-caliber arms already on the roster. So, what’s left in the minor leagues, should the team need more pitching depth?

Image courtesy of Ed Bailey, Wichita Wind Surge

The Twins opted not to trade for starting pitching at the 2024 trade deadline, a decision influenced by several factors. The front office believed in the strength and depth of in-house options. Additionally, the trade market was highly competitive, with steep prices for top-tier pitchers, making it challenging to find a deal that aligned with the Twins' long-term goals without sacrificing significant prospects. Consequently, the team chose to rely on its existing stockpile of arms, banking on their talent and the potential for improvements from within the organization to carry them through the season's second half.

Minnesota has already been forced to add many young starters to the big-league roster, including Simeon Woods Richardson, David Festa, Zebby Matthews, and Louie Varland. So, what’s left in the minor leagues, if the team is forced to dig deeper down their organizational depth chart by yet another injury?

Andrew Morris, RHP
Current Level: Triple-A
Morris is an intriguing right-handed pitching prospect, known for his competitive edge and advanced pitch mix. A product of Texas Tech, Morris has a fastball that consistently sits in the mid-90s, paired with a solid slider and a developing changeup. His ability to attack hitters with a diverse arsenal has allowed him to post strong strikeout numbers in the minors. Though still refining his command, Morris's performance has forced the Twins to promote him from High-A to Triple-A this season, following closely in the wake of Matthews. His aggressive approach on the mound and ability to generate swings and misses make him a potential asset for the big-league squad as they seek to bolster their pitching depth.

Caleb Boushley, RHP
Current Level: Triple-A
Other names on this list are more exciting than Boushley. Still, his veteran status might be something the Twins are forced to rely on in the coming weeks. A right-handed pitcher with experience as both a starter and reliever in the minors, Boushley provides valuable flexibility. His ability to pitch multiple innings could be crucial in long relief roles, especially when the bullpen is taxed due to short outings by starters or extra-inning games. Additionally, Boushley’s consistent performance and ability to limit walks make him a potential option for spot starts or to fill in for injured pitchers. 

Brent Headrick, LHP
Current Level: Triple-A
Headrick is a left-handed pitcher who has been on the injured list since the season's first month. He has started working his way back by pitching in the instructional league, making him a potential second-half option. He was expected to impact the Twins’ roster this season, but his forearm issues have hindered his ability to return to action. His solid strikeout rates and low walk totals at the minor-league level suggest a readiness to contribute at the big-league level, potentially as a versatile arm in the bullpen or as a spot starter. Headrick's poise on the mound and ability to adapt could give the Twins a valuable depth option as they navigate the demands of a long season, if he proves to be asyptomatic as he rehabs.

Marco Raya, RHP
Current Level: Double-A
Raya has been one of the organization’s top pitching prospects in recent years, known for his electric arm and advanced pitchability at a young age. His ability to generate high spin rates on his pitches adds to his potential, making him a strikeout threat (26.1 K% in 2024). Raya's poise and maturity on the mound are impressive for his age, and he has shown the ability to handle more advanced hitters as he progresses through the system. The Twins have been careful with his usage, limiting his innings and pitch counts. While he is still refining his command and building durability, his upside is significant.

Cory Lewis, RHP
Current Level: Double-A
Last season, Twins Daily named Lewis the organization’s Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Year. He posted a 2.49 ERA with a 1.06 WHIP and 10.5 K/9 in over 100 innings between Low- and High-A. Lewis was sidelined to start the 2024 campaign due to a shoulder injury, but he has made nine appearances at Double-A since coming off the IL. What makes Lewis particularly intriguing is his feel for pitching and his ability to mix pitches effectively. With his polished approach and advanced understanding of how to attack hitters, Lewis has the potential to move quickly through the system and could eventually develop into a reliable middle-of-the-rotation starter for the Twins.

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Will the Twins need to rely on any of these arms before the season ends? Who is the next player to get the call? Which pitcher has the highest upside? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.

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[tony&rodney]

The Twins are in pretty good shape, all things considered. Other teams, like the Dodgers, would trade places. We good.

[NYCTK]

If you're trying to talk about stretch run depth and have to mention a player that hasn't pitched in a game since early April...yeah, you don't have depth. 

Our depth is so bad right now our #6 starter should probably never face a batter twice. Second time through the order his opponents bat 301/337/503. 

 

[NYCTK]

And I don't know that anyone could describe the Twins SP situation as an injury barrage. What we're experiencing right now is typical SP woes. The Twins front office just haven't adequately managed the risk in their roster is what we're seeing. 

[LambchoP]

With Zebby, Festa and Varland already forced into MLB action, we are screwed, and not likely to even MAKE the playoffs if any of our top 3 starters go down. I'd guess Morris would be next in line, but after that, it's pretty bare. Both Raya and Lewis show promise, but they've got a lot more development to do before they can be considered a solid starting option in the high minors. Maybe if Headrick can get healthy he can be our lefty out of the bullpen? Then we wouldn't have to worry about Theilbar every time we need to get tough lefties out...

[nicksaviking]

If further disaster strikes, I'd start off with using Morris as rookies that don't hand out a ton of free passes tend to avoid blowups more often than those who do.

But really, the team would be (?is?) in trouble, so the best bet might be to cycle through the options to keep the opponents on their toes and not getting the book out on the inexperienced guys.

[FlyingFinn]

I'm thinking the Twins would actually go to Dobnak.

[ashbury]

17 minutes ago, FlyingFinn said:

I'm thinking the Twins would actually go to Dobnak.

Like button simply for including the name of someone plausible (in comparison to others not even on the 40-man) who was omitted in the article.

[Cody Christie]

1 hour ago, ashbury said:

Like button simply for including the name of someone plausible (in comparison to others not even on the 40-man) who was omitted in the article.

When I wrote the article, Dobnak was already on the roster so that's why I didn't include him in the article. To your second point, there are always ways to find spots on the 40-man roster if they need to add another player. 

[tony&rodney]

Ober, Lopez, Woods Richardson, Festa, Matthews, & Varland have been more than holding their own. Perhaps the Twins keep a 6 person rotation to alleviate concerns about overuse and in an attempt to avoid any further injuries. Nobody can predict the future but these guys have looked good. Let's hope Correa and Buxton can lead the charge on offense.

[Twins GFP]

They are already rolling the dice with some of the names we have seen because they have no other options.

Remember this as the Twins refused to spend money offseason through trade deadline to pick up any pitching of consequence and you see Festa/Varland/Matthews start a pivotal game 4 in the postseason (assuming the Twins get that far).

[arby58]

9 hours ago, ashbury said:

Like button simply for including the name of someone plausible (in comparison to others not even on the 40-man) who was omitted in the article.

So you 'like' the fact that he's been up for 7.2 innings, has a 5.87 ERA, and  1.826 WHIP? If that is 'someone plausible' give me someone who is implausible.

[ashbury]

11 minutes ago, arby58 said:

So you 'like' the fact that he's been up for 7.2 innings, has a 5.87 ERA, and  1.826 WHIP? If that is 'someone plausible' give me someone who is implausible.

He's on the 40-man.

[dxpavelka]

20 minutes ago, arby58 said:

So you 'like' the fact that he's been up for 7.2 innings, has a 5.87 ERA, and  1.826 WHIP? If that is 'someone plausible' give me someone who is implausible.

7.2 innings is not a sample size

[Doctor Wu]

Is it too late to bring back Bartolo Colon? 

[dxpavelka]

7 hours ago, arby58 said:

So you 'like' the fact that he's been up for 7.2 innings, has a 5.87 ERA, and  1.826 WHIP? If that is 'someone plausible' give me someone who is implausible.

Every pitcher we called up in the 2010s.

[Doctor Wu]

Not much depth at all at this point. A month from now we may need to sign some over-the-hill pitcher like Dallas Keuchel again just to prop up the rotation. Bringing up rookie pitchers is a fun experiment, and sometimes it works, but going into a stretch run we need some better and more experienced arms, or at least some healthier ones. 

[arby58]

11 hours ago, dxpavelka said:

7.2 innings is not a sample size

Add his 2024 AAA stats - there he was 4-8, 4.91 ERA, 1.432 ERA in 72.1 innings. Like him a lot better now?

[NYCTK]

15 minutes ago, arby58 said:

Add his 2024 AAA stats - there he was 4-8, 4.91 ERA, 1.432 ERA in 72.1 innings. Like him a lot better now?

And this is why anyone poo-pooing a Rich Hill signing are being stubborn. Is Rich Hill for sure better? No, but if we're playing important September games and in need of a start would I rather it be Dobnak, Hill, or Varland? I'm taking Hill. 

[ashbury]

18 minutes ago, arby58 said:

Add his 2024 AAA stats - there he was 4-8, 4.91 ERA, 1.432 ERA in 72.1 innings. Like him a lot better now?

b-r.com shows his 2024 AAA ERA as 3.61, in 99.2 innings.  Not sure where you're getting your information from.

Anyway, a post applauding the mention of a player actually on the 40-man roster in an article about "starting pitching depth" somehow got construed into me touting his awesome abilities.  SMH.

[nicksaviking]

12 hours ago, arby58 said:

So you 'like' the fact that he's been up for 7.2 innings, has a 5.87 ERA, and  1.826 WHIP? If that is 'someone plausible' give me someone who is implausible.

A rusty 44-year-old Rich Hill wasn't implausible enough?

[arby58]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

A rusty 44-year-old Rich Hill wasn't implausible enough?

Assumes facts that have not been introduced as evidence.

[arby58]

1 hour ago, ashbury said:

b-r.com shows his 2024 AAA ERA as 3.61, in 99.2 innings.  Not sure where you're getting your information from.

Anyway, a post applauding the mention of a player actually on the 40-man roster in an article about "starting pitching depth" somehow got construed into me touting his awesome abilities.  SMH.

I just looked it up there:

https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=varlan000lou

Last night's performance was better, to be sure, but he's still 0-5 on the season. Hard to get excited about that.

[ashbury]

19 minutes ago, arby58 said:

I just looked it up there:

https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=varlan000lou

Last night's performance was better, to be sure, but he's still 0-5 on the season. Hard to get excited about that.

Why are we talking about Varland?

[tony&rodney]

8 minutes ago, ashbury said:

Why are we talking about Varland?

We have a number of Henny-Penny types wishing for bad luck; football  fans as their primary love.

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, arby58 said:

Assumes facts that have not been introduced as evidence.

Your Honor, allow me to introduce exhibit A:

Carter administration baby.

[arby58]

4 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

Your Honor, allow me to introduce exhibit A:

Carter administration baby.

That wasn't the 'fact' you provided without foundation, but feel free to amend your complaint.

[arby58]

5 hours ago, ashbury said:

Why are we talking about Varland?

If you don't think it relevant, why were you responding in the first place?

[dxpavelka]

7 hours ago, arby58 said:

Add his 2024 AAA stats - there he was 4-8, 4.91 ERA, 1.432 ERA in 72.1 innings. Like him a lot better now?

do those stats count for anything going forward?

 

[nicksaviking]

49 minutes ago, arby58 said:

That wasn't the 'fact' you provided without foundation, but feel free to amend your complaint.

What was the fact I didn't provide? That he's rusty? 

You're right, that was a bold assumption on my part. Guys who grunt when they put on their socks are probably good to run out to the mound to face MLB hitters a year removed from the game.