Three Ways the Minnesota Twins Can Get Their Best Roster on the Field in September

[Cody Christie]

As the calendar turns to September, the Twins are running out of games to catch the team’s atop the AL Central. Here are three ways Minnesota can get their best roster on the field for the season’s final month.

Image courtesy of © Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

 

As the Minnesota Twins approach the final stretch of the 2024 regular season, their playoff hopes hang in the balance. To solidify their chances and ensure a strong showing in September, the Twins must make strategic decisions that put their best roster on the field. Here are three key areas where the Twins can optimize their lineup and rotation for the critical month ahead.

1. Improved Health from Star Players
A significant part of the Twins' success hinges on the health of their star players, Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa. Both players have dealt with injuries this season that have kept them off the field or limited their effectiveness. Buxton was a borderline All-Star in the first half with a .829 OPS, while returning to center field and playing Gold Glove caliber defense. His outfield defense has ranked in the 80th percentile or higher in OAA and Fielding Run Value. Minnesota's other center field options are a downgrade compared to what Buxton can bring on both sides of the ball. 

Correa was an All-Star in the first half with an .896 OPS, but he has yet to appear in the second half after suffering from plantar fasciitis for the second consecutive season. At the time of the injury, Correa was optimistic about a quick return to the field. Unfortunately, he suffered a set-back during his ramp up and the Twins had to slow down his rehab plan. If Correa returns this season, he will likely be playing at less than 100% and fans saw how this injury impacted him during the 2023 campaign. 

For the Twins to have their best roster on the field, they need Buxton and Correa healthy and performing their peak or as close as possible to that level. The team's medical staff will play a crucial role in managing their workloads and ensuring they are fit to contribute at a high level throughout September.

2. Bullpen Upgrades
The Twins' bullpen has been a point of concern this season, with inconsistency and injuries plaguing the relief corps. To strengthen the bullpen and add depth, the Twins can look to utilize starters like Louie Varland and Chris Paddack in relief roles. Minnesota has kept Varland in a starting role because of the team's need for depth. Paddack has been on the IL since the end of July with a right forearm strain and there likely isn't enough time for him to ramp up to serve as a starter.  

Varland has shown promise as a starter but could thrive in a bullpen role, where his fastball-slider combination can play up with increased velocity in one-inning appearances. Across 12 innings last September, Varland pitched to a 1.50 ERA before he recorded two scoreless outings in the American League Wild Card Series. He saw his K/9 jump from 8.7 as a starter to 12.8 as a reliever while holding opponents to a .471 OPS. Transitioning him to the bullpen also allows the Twins to manage his innings, keeping him fresh and effective down the stretch.

 

 

Paddack is eyeing an October return and could also be a valuable asset in relief. He had an MRI last week and was cleared to begin throwing from 60 feet. The Twins and Paddack must be cautious with his usage since he is in his first full season back from his second Tommy John surgery. Last season, he returned in late September for some brief relief appearances before being electric in October. In two appearances, he impressed with 3 2/3 scoreless innings last postseason, with six strikeouts, just one hit and no walks. The middle innings have been tough for the Twins' relief core and Paddack can stabilize that group. 

3. Breaking Players Out of Slumps
The Twins have seen critical players like Royce Lewis and Max Kepler struggle with consistency at the plate this season. Lewis has dealt with multiple muscle injuries this season such as a right abductor strain and a quad injury. Kepler has a piece of bone floating in his knee that has been bothering him for most of the season. For Minnesota to field its best roster, it's essential that these players break out of their slumps and contribute offensively.

Lewis has arguably been the team's best offensive player for stretches over the last two seasons. He returned from his quad injury on June 4th and posted a .984 OPS with nine home runs and five doubles in 23 games. Since returning from his groin injury, he has combined for a .720 OPS with 11 extra-base hits in 31 games. There are some things the Twins can do to help Lewis break out of his slump, but his bat is even more important if Buxton and Correa continue to miss time with injuries. 

 

Kepler finished last season with one of the best offensive stretches of his career including a .926 OPS in the second half. He has tried to fight through his knee issues this season and there has been inconsistent offensive performance. In May, he posted an .891 OPS with 11 doubles and three home runs. His power disappeared in June with his OPS dropping to .591, over 150 points lower than his career average. Kepler was a little luckier in July with a .320 BA (due to his .387 BABIP) but he was limited to four extra-base hits in 22 games. In August, he has a .351 SLG and 18 strikeouts in 21 games. His knee is impacting his on-field performance and the Twins must decide if an IL stint would help him for a potential playoff run. 

To be successful in the season's final month, Buxton and Correa need to find a way to contribute. The team will only go as far as its stars can take them in October. The bullpen has been flawed since prior to the trade deadline and the front office was only able to add Trevor Richards, who has already been designated for assignment. Varland and Paddack have a chance to upgrade the team's middle inning relief options. Lewis and Kepler have shown the ability to carry the offense in the past and the team needs them to bust their slumps in the coming weeks.   

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Which item above is most important for the team’s September success? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

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[mikelink45]

The constant look at Correa and Buxton has to stop.  If they come back they will not be in baseball shape - too long away to jump in and be what everyone hopes.

The same is true of Paddack.  All three will need to have rehab starts at St Paul.

Relying on long term injury returns at this point in the year is not productive.

Louie Varland should have been in the pen for the last month.  3 - 9 over the last twelve games.  What are waiting for.  At this stage if he pitches relief he can quickly go back to starting in an emergency, although I think Morris might have bypassed him.

The best team means dropping Farmer and getting someone who can hit for the bench.  It means getting someone to replace Julien which means getting Lee back.

True we need Lewis to return to form, but his return from injury is a signal of what could be in store for Buxton and Correa if they make it back.  Injury recovery does not mean returning to previous levels.

I would put Morris in the pen with Varland for the remainder of the season.  I have more faith in him than I do Paddock returning with velocity and form. 

[Blyleven2011]

14 games the star players have all played together ( Lewis , Correa and Buxton ) , injuries seem to be our norm ...

If I was going to write more I'd write what ( mikelink45 ) wrote , couldn't agree more  ...

Front office works slow and on hope  ... 

[Whitey333]

I want to thank the previous poster for using the word velocity instead of velo. am so sick of the word velo it is part of the new wave  of terms and analytic mumbo jumbo seemingly determined to erase MLB history when real baseball was being played.  

Getting back to the article at hand:  I am surprised that luck and poor home plate umpiring wasn't mentioned lol.  That seems to be a lot of people's answers to causes of poor games and losses.  

Buxton and Correa?  Who are they?  They certainly cannot be counted on.  I think the Twins will still make the playoffs in spite of themselves.

[Karbo]

Rumor heard yesterday was Buxton starting rehab in St. Paul next week. I hope so, but not counting on it. If this team even makes the playoffs (a big if at this time) I can't see them getting past the 1st round. With only 2 veteran starters and an extremely questionable pen.

[LambchoP]

With our stars hurt or slumping, 2 out of five starters that should still be in AAA and a bullpen held together with spit and glue it's really not looking like our year. Call up Keirsey and Eeles, dump Farmer and Margot and see if we can find any studs for next year. Sad take, but after scoring what, 5 runs the last two series does anyone think we look like a playoff team? I'm guessing a third wildcard spot at best quickly followed by an embarrassing 2 game sweep, one or both being blowouts. Getting beat by 10 runs in a playoff game will not be a good look for this team...

[insagt1]

Agree Buxton and Correa have been put too long to come back now and be effective. Thought maybe this year Buck would finally escape the long injury but with him it's just not possible. It has to be a month at least every time. Twins may as well just come clean with Correa. 'Setback' is code for see you in 2025 hopefully.

Big concern about Lewis..he is contributing just about nothing. Kepler as well. Pressure on the others to really step up.

 

 

 

[Doctor Gast]

We have needed both Varland & Keirsey since the beginning of the season. We desperately needed Varland in a long relief/ spot starting role on a permanent basis. IMO if Varland had been brought up sooner Paddack & Ryan could still be around. Rotation & BP would not be stretched so thin,

We have been weak in our LHH lineup, Keirsey could have developed into a viable LHH asset. Margot has blocked both Keirsey & Martin's development in the MLB. Martin has been overextended in CF, especially against RHPs. Come Sept. 1, I hope Varland & Keirsey will both be brought up, better late than never.

Lee's return will greatly help relieve Castro at SS. Still don't know when Buck will be back, his presence has been sorely missed, as has Correa. Both setbacks have been frustrating & baffling. Wondering like Lewis when they can produce like we know they can after returning from the IL. Miranda slumping.

My hope is once we get everyone together & in place. things will start to gel again. That we'll peak at the right time before the postseason. My biggest concern is the pitching, whether Varland's promotion would be in time to alleviate the overextension of the rotation & BP to avoid any further injuries & being worn out for the postseason,

 

 

[DJL44]

They need Royce Lewis to start hitting bombs again. They need Varland to hold down a spot in the bullpen like he did last September. They need Buxton back because both Margot and Martin have been lousy in CF. It would be nice if Kepler could have a good final month in a Twins uniform (583 OPS in August). 

[Maybebaby]

You are obviously stating the obvious....kind of a word salad like you know who!😉

[Rod Carews Birthday]

Banking on health and a return to star level status for Buxton, Correa, et al, seems like wishcasting.  It COULD happen, but given that they don't seem likely to be returning at full health makes high quality play unlikely. 

The bullpen could be helped by Varland and/or Paddack and/or someone else, but it seems to me that the biggest issue is to get the pitchers currently in the bullpen to pitch like some of them have earlier in the season.  That may not be possible given the workloads some of them have endured.  Varland could help ease that a little, but it will take more than one guy to improve the current situation. 

The area that I agree the most with is that somebody, not necessarily Kepler (unlikely) or Lewis (only marginally likely), will need to step up and get hot offensively in order to get this team scoring some runs. A little hot streak from a player or two can be contagious and lead to pretty substantial overall improvement.  It could be Larnach or Wallner going on a real tear, or Castro becoming really hard to get out, or one or both of our catchers really finding their stroke over the next couple of weeks. 

The Twins are in a pretty tough spot at the moment.  Something needs to happen or the playoff birth will be in real jeopardy. 

[DJL44]

BTW - how bad does Keirsey Jr have to be to think he'll do worse than injured Max Kepler?

[JD-TWINS]

2 hours ago, Karbo said:

Rumor heard yesterday was Buxton starting rehab in St. Paul next week. I hope so, but not counting on it. If this team even makes the playoffs (a big if at this time) I can't see them getting past the 1st round. With only 2 veteran starters and an extremely questionable pen.

If Funderburk can throw hard in another week or so he may help a touch. Varland to the Pen as of today is my assumption. Maybe Paddack in October - he seems motivated to make that happen - reality of health will drive that - Festa to the Oen in October is also a real potentially positive move. I think the Pen can be sharp in post season……..can Team get in is the question.

Kepler always seems sharper after an IL stint - if they act today he could be back in 10 days. Having him at less than nearly 100% is a waste of a spot in the order.

Buxton in another 6-10 days will help a bit - even at just OK offense.

Lewis coming around to just average would be really nice. Shouldn’t be a weak spot in line-up.

Hopefully, Lee could add a bit of positive offense starting today as well!

[dxpavelka]

What you've just outlined is a recipe that most of the last one hundred plus teams that have won the World Series has relied on.  I don't know why nobody else has thought of this.  Oh. Wait. EVERY team will be looking do to this exact thing.  ONE will succeed.  Maybe that one will be ours.

[gregens]

The article mentions October several times.  The Twins do not currently have any games scheduled in October and might not be playing that month unless something drastically changes.

[CRF]

They need to put a satellite branch of the Mayo Clinic in the clubhouse next to Rocco's office. 

[Rufus]

#4 Divine intervention?

[JD-TWINS]

1 hour ago, JD-TWINS said:

If Funderburk can throw hard in another week or so he may help a touch. Varland to the Pen as of today is my assumption. Maybe Paddack in October - he seems motivated to make that happen - reality of health will drive that - Festa to the Oen in October is also a real potentially positive move. I think the Pen can be sharp in post season……..can Team get in is the question.

Kepler always seems sharper after an IL stint - if they act today he could be back in 10 days. Having him at less than nearly 100% is a waste of a spot in the order.

Buxton in another 6-10 days will help a bit - even at just OK offense.

Lewis coming around to just average would be really nice. Shouldn’t be a weak spot in line-up.

Hopefully, Lee could add a bit of positive offense starting today as well!

Looks like they are keeping Varland in St Paul until Zebby throws again, as Louie might need to be moved back into the 5th spot? Castillo up today with roster expansion. Varland has to be up in one role or another by next weekend…..can’t burn up his available innings at AAA at this point.

[Aggies7]

Minnesota sports and “what if” years. A tradition unlike any other.

Is this why the giants and Mets passed on Correa ?

[ewen21]

Buxton said this the other day:
 

"I've been out here and been going through the stuff, but the intensity for me is not there”, Buxton said. "You just have to find that intensity to push it but not overdo it.  That's where the one day at a time comes in.“

 

I’m sorry, but he’s part of the problem, not part of the solution.  If he needs to “find that intensity” during the playoff stretch then there is a HUGE PROBLEM.  It’s an even bigger problem that it is viewed as normal and no one seems to be bothered by his lackluster attitude.

 

He’s got a sore hip.  Cry me a river.  I’m certain there are guys all over the league playing through worse

[UpstateNewYorker]

The Giants and Mets passed on Correa due concerns with his right ankle, which was surgically repaired when he was in the minors in 2014.  It doesn't seem like this injury would lead to plantar fasciitis years later in both feet but I guess we'd need a podiatrist to answer that question.

https://nypost.com/2022/12/24/mets-suddenly-have-concerns-about-carlos-correas-physical/

[dxpavelka]

12 hours ago, gregens said:

The article mentions October several times.  The Twins do not currently have any games scheduled in October and might not be playing that month unless something drastically changes.

Four and a half games up in the wild card.  No such thing as a sure thing but the something that dramatically changes for them to NOT be playing in October might involve a flawed team overcoming that deficit.  Possible?  Sure.   Likely?  Not so much.

[dxpavelka]

10 hours ago, Aggies7 said:

Minnesota sports and “what if” years. A tradition unlike any other.

Is this why the giants and Mets passed on Correa ?

I believe they may have passed due to their shared commitment to mediocrity.

[rv78]

Who would have thought Buxton being injured would be an issue? Correa seems to have caught the injury bug from him as well, although he too hasn't had an injury free career. When there are 5 other guys on the roster that get more at bats than your 2 "stars" that you have $50M invested in ......  then you have a problem. The Twins FO has brought this on themselves. Buxton should have never been resigned. Correa is not and never will be worth his Salary. Add in Kepler and you have 3 veterans that can't, never have, and never will, carry the team. Now you have $60M of mediocrity.

To be successful in the last month of the season and in October the team has to QUIT relying on players that can't stay healthy. Unfortunately that probably won't happen with any level of certainty until Buxton and Correa are gone.

[ewen21]

3 hours ago, rv78 said:

Who would have thought Buxton being injured would be an issue? Correa seems to have caught the injury bug from him as well, although he too hasn't had an injury free career. When there are 5 other guys on the roster that get more at bats than your 2 "stars" that you have $50M invested in ......  then you have a problem. The Twins FO has brought this on themselves. Buxton should have never been resigned. Correa is not and never will be worth his Salary. Add in Kepler and you have 3 veterans that can't, never have, and never will, carry the team. Now you have $60M of mediocrity.

To be successful in the last month of the season and in October the team has to QUIT relying on players that can't stay healthy. Unfortunately that probably won't happen with any level of certainty until Buxton and Correa are gone.

I question Buxton’s current situation.  He was put on the 10 day DL with a sore hip and got off it over a week ago.  He’s not started rehab yet.  In his most recent interview he spoke about “finding the intensity” which he just doesn’t have right now.  He’s talking one day at time.  I was expecting him in that Atlanta series.  

 

What exactly is that?  It’s not the Twins mishandling him.  It’s him not being a ballplayer.  He could easily overrule any orders by simply working out, getting in reps and saying “I’m good to go” which what he needs to do.  Guys all over the league are playing through whatever he has.  I recall Shannon Stewart soldiering on when his heels were shot.  Brad Radke pitched through the ‘06 playoffs with a torn labrum.  Torii Hunter (who never comes around anymore).  
He’s going to go for month with the “sore hip” during the pennant run?  It’s dubious to me knowing the extensive history.  When is enough, enough?

 

A player like this ruins accountability for all of its not dealt with.  When is he going to “find the intensity”?   Sheesh.  It’s Labor Day and we are fighting for our playoff lives.  What a teammate 

 

 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Agreed with the OP. 4.5 games up on Boston, some of the injury and roster moves will take place. On pace for 88 wins and Lopez, Ober, and Wallner playing really well, this team still has time to accelerate into the post season.
 

Go Twins!

[Richie the Rally Goat]

34 minutes ago, ewen21 said:

I question Buxton’s current situation.  He was put on the 10 day DL with a sore hip and got off it over a week ago.  He’s not started rehab yet.  In his most recent interview he spoke about “finding the intensity” which he just doesn’t have right now.  He’s talking one day at time.  I was expecting him in that Atlanta series.  

 

What exactly is that?  It’s not the Twins mishandling him.  It’s him not being a ballplayer.  He could easily overrule any orders by simply working out, getting in reps and saying “I’m good to go” which what he needs to do.  Guys all over the league are playing through whatever he has.  I recall Shannon Stewart soldiering on when his heels were shot.  Brad Radke pitched through the ‘06 playoffs with a torn labrum.  Torii Hunter (who never comes around anymore).  
He’s going to go for month with the “sore hip” during the pennant run?  It’s dubious to me knowing the extensive history.  When is enough, enough?

 

A player like this ruins accountability for all of its not dealt with.  When is he going to “find the intensity”?   Sheesh.  It’s Labor Day and we are fighting for our playoff lives.  What a teammate 

 

 

Speaking of dubious, calling Buxton a bad teammate and claiming he doesn’t want to be on the field with his team while taking a quote out of context.

the rest of that Dan Hayes article talked about Buxton’s frustration with the training staff.

[ewen21]

41 minutes ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

Speaking of dubious, calling Buxton a bad teammate and claiming he doesn’t want to be on the field with his team while taking a quote out of context.

the rest of that Dan Hayes article talked about Buxton’s frustration with the training staff.

He brings it on himself.  How is he “trying to find the intensity” right now?   Shouldn’t he have it healthy or not?  If intensity is what he needs to get on the field then be a pro a find it.

 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

3 hours ago, ewen21 said:

He brings it on himself.  How is he “trying to find the intensity” right now?   Shouldn’t he have it healthy or not?  If intensity is what he needs to get on the field then be a pro a find it.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5730754/2024/08/28/twins-byron-buxton-rehab-update/?source=user_shared_article

he’s talking about building intensity of workout

 

[Major League Ready]

7 hours ago, rv78 said:

Who would have thought Buxton being injured would be an issue? Correa seems to have caught the injury bug from him as well, although he too hasn't had an injury free career. When there are 5 other guys on the roster that get more at bats than your 2 "stars" that you have $50M invested in ......  then you have a problem. The Twins FO has brought this on themselves. Buxton should have never been resigned. Correa is not and never will be worth his Salary. Add in Kepler and you have 3 veterans that can't, never have, and never will, carry the team. Now you have $60M of mediocrity.

To be successful in the last month of the season and in October the team has to QUIT relying on players that can't stay healthy. Unfortunately that probably won't happen with any level of certainty until Buxton and Correa are gone.

It would be fun to look back at the threads about signing both Correa and Buxton.  There were people who were emphatic about signing Correa even when it was for 12 years.  Very few were opposed to the deal he eventually signed.  I also recall posters cursing the front office saying they did not know what they were doing because they were unwilling to give him a huge guarantee.  I remember one post that suggested they were not serious about winning and basically incompetent because they were starting at a $150M guarantee.

You might well have been among the minority who did not want these players signed but TD was in general very supportive of signing Correa and Buxton.