Twins Add Familiar Face, Top Prospect, and One Surprising Name as Rosters Expand

[Eric Blonigen]

This morning, the Twins announced the call-up of three players - Brooks Lee, Michael Helman, and Diego Castillo (the pitcher). What can fans expect regarding their likely roles, and how will they improve the team?

Image courtesy of © Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

With the calendar flipping to September, it’s time for expanded rosters. Historically, teams were able to call up any players on their 40-man roster. However, beginning in 2020, teams have been limited to expanding rosters by just two players - one pitcher and one hitter. So how are the Twins adding three players? It’s coming at the expense of Manuel Margot, who’s hitting the IL with a groin strain suffered in last night’s drubbing by the Blue Jays.

Brooks Lee
Fans will likely be happy to see the return of Lee, after he completed his rehab assignment with the Saints. He got off to a hot start in his initial call-up, collecting eight hits in his first week, with power and plate discipline. His production suffered mightily thereafter, though, as he attempted to play through a shoulder injury. Eventually, he landed on the IL on Aug. 8. With his return, the Twins regain some much-needed roster flexibility. He will likely split time between shortstop, second base, and third base. With news that Royce Lewis has been taking reps at second, it’s possible that Lee will spend the bulk of his time at third if and when Carlos Correa returns from his bout of plantar fasciitis. Lee’s plus defense will help the struggling pitching staff prevent runs. Offensively, it’s tough to say exactly what to expect from him. Will he produce at close to the level he did prior to his injury? If so, the Twins just got a lot better.

Diego Castillo
Journeyman pitcher Diego Castillo had a brief stint with the Twins earlier this season, and threw seven innings across five appearances. Despite pitching to a 2.57 ERA, he had a 5.32 FIP, due to a too-high walk rate of 9.0 per 9 innings. Over the past three seasons, he’s also struck guys out at a worse than average clip. This season with the Saints, his WHIP is 1.64. If this doesn’t sound promising, it probably shouldn’t. The very fact he’s getting a call-up is an indictment of the current state of the Twins bullpen, after losing all of Brock Stewart, Justin Topa, Steven Okert, Jay Jackson, Josh Staumont, and Trevor Richards to injury or ineffectiveness. Castillo will likely pitch primarily in low-leverage situations. While the Twins' greatest bullpen need is for pitchers who can throw in late and close situations, there aren’t many options in the system, aside from taking chances with converting a starter to relief, or hoping that Topa or Chris Paddack can return this season. The latter migrating to the 60-day injured list as part of this cluster of moves isn't necessarily cause for new concern; he was already sure to be out a total of over 60 days.

Michael Helman
Drafted in the 11th round in 2018, Helman is getting his first cup of coffee in the bigs. At 28 years old, he’s old for a prospect. In 63 games with the Saints this season, he’s put up an .876 OPS while playing several defensive positions, logging at least 10 games at shortstop, center field, and third base. He’s also capable of playing second and left field. He brings speed, with 10 steals in less than half a season. He takes some walks, but also strikes out just over once a game. He gives the Twins another right-handed bat with some pop, and defensive flexibility. He’s likely to take a utility role, and will make Rocco Baldelli’s job a bit easier when it comes to optimizing lineups and making in-game moves.

With Byron Buxton (hopefully) returning soon, it’s unclear whether these additions are short-term, or if they will have the full month (and beyond?) to attempt to impress.

How do you feel about these additions? Will they help the Twins reach the playoffs? Comment below!

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[DJL44]

I hope Helman enjoys every minute. It will go quickly.

[Doctor Gast]

Lee is surely needed, With Lee back, Helman isn't needed, we don't need another RH bat (once something gets in their head, it sticks no matter) & I can't imagine why they had to put him on the 40-man. Keirsey is more needed as a LH bat & CF & has produced all season-long & deserves to be on the 40-man & available for the playoffs.

[DocBauer]

I think I speak for most everyone when I say I hope Lee helps spark the offense. But he doesn't have to be a savior, just hopefully good. But sudden the INF is deeper and Castro can move around more now.

I hope Castillo has better control than the last time we saw him, but I'm betting he's only a full on until another.move needs to take place.

As an long standing hopeful, advocate for Helman, I have zero expectations. I'm just excited he's finally getting his ML opportunity. His playing time might be limited...and short lived...so who knows if he's hot or cold. But he has played all 7 field spots in his career, so he can be plugged in anywhere. There's some power and speed there to go along with defensive flexibility. Again, expecting nothing. But it sure is fun to see him get an opportunity. 

[D.C Twins]

If Diego Catillo and Michael Helman is the answer.... I don't even want to know the question....

[Rufus]

Since Helman is now west of the Mississippi does his name change to Best Foods?

[Brett]

I’m surprised by Helman over Keirsey. I get the positional flexibility, but thought Keirsey has a higher upside bat.

Appreciate if someone can help me understand.

[HarmonK03]

Helmen is up here because the Twins analytics nerds think this is Strat-o-matic.  Just because a player can go to different positions doesn't mean he can play them well.  How many utility guys do you need.  Play your best players at their best position.  Having one utility guy is not a bad thing but you don't need a roster full of them.  Helmen may do ok up there but I just wish for once they would bring up the best player regardless of where they play.

[Jocko87]

32 minutes ago, Brett said:

I’m surprised by Helman over Keirsey. I get the positional flexibility, but thought Keirsey has a higher upside bat.

Appreciate if someone can help me understand.

Right handed.

But infield capable was probably more important. 

Castillo the designated DFA guy.  Probably another move coming in short order.

[Dman]

21 minutes ago, Brett said:

I’m surprised by Helman over Keirsey. I get the positional flexibility, but thought Keirsey has a higher upside bat.

Appreciate if someone can help me understand.

I was guessing that is was because because Helman was a right handed bat but looking at his splits against lefties this year his 640 OPS to Keirsey's .803 OPS I don't think that is the reason.  Granted Helman has a .977 OPS against righthanded pitching with a .570 slugging so maybe they feel he can be a catalyst bat when given the chance since he hits righties so well?  He has hit lefties better in 2023 and 2022 so maybe this year is an anomaly?  Not sure.  He does offer them a ton of positional flexibility though as well so maybe they just value that more than having Keirsey up.

[Fred]

I am also wondering why Kiersey doesn't seem to be on their radar. However, about a week ago, Helman's slugging percentage was somewhere around .560. I look for Helman, Kersey, Severino, and Eeles next season. Eeles would bring a Charley Hustle attitude with him.

[2wins87]

41 minutes ago, Brett said:

I’m surprised by Helman over Keirsey. I get the positional flexibility, but thought Keirsey has a higher upside bat.

Appreciate if someone can help me understand.

It could have been either, but I honestly think the upside between the two is pretty much the same, it's just the attention that Keirsey has gotten this year from fans has been higher. 

Last year Helman was in a very similar spot to Keirsey, and actually having an even better season, but his own injury prevented him from being available when he might have gotten a call up.

He does a lot of the same things that Keirsey does. I think he's still pretty fast and can man center. He's probably got a bit better power. He just hasn't been on the field consistently the last 2 years.

He did go to the Dominican to play winter ball and make up for lost time last year, so I'm sure the org values his dedication and rewarding that could have been a small consideration.  Mostly I think it's more that fans are sleeping on Helman rather than the Twins are sleeping on Keirsey.

[mikelink45]

There are periodic prospects that seem so obvious but are not seen the same way by the FO.  I want Keirsey to go somewhere that he will be respected and used like Rooker and Raley and Gil and Cano.  

Compare this with what KC just did!  Why not Varland?  

Lee is the only one I am happy with. 

[DJL44]

58 minutes ago, Fred said:

I look for Helman, Kersey, Severino, and Eeles next season. Eeles would bring a Charley Hustle attitude with him.

I hope for the Saints. I would much rather see Lee, Lewis, Correa, Buxton and Castro with the Twins.

[AceWrigley]

What's wrong with Margot, Pinch-hit-itis?

[AceWrigley]

I was going to post yesterday that I had a hunch the Twins were going to promote Michael Helman, but had mustard on my hands from my mighty sandwich and was too lazy to go up and wash them so I could type. 😀

[Patzky]

2 hours ago, Rufus said:

Since Helman is now west of the Mississippi does his name change to Best Foods?

Bring out your best.

[LA Vikes Fan]

Why Castillo instead of Winder? I see Winder isn't doing so great in St. Paul but he looked good when he was up on August. I suspect Castillo is just here until Varland comes up or he goes 2 or 3 innings one day and then it's off to DFA land for a fresh arm. 

I can understand Helman given his flexibility. He gives them a RH 2B when they don't want to play Julien. this also tells you how much Farmer is going to play in September. Not much.  

[FlyingFinn]

4 hours ago, DocBauer said:

As an long standing hopeful, advocate for Helman, I have zero expectations. I'm just excited he's finally getting his ML opportunity. His playing time might be limited...and short lived...so who knows if he's hot or cold. But he has played all 7 field spots in his career, so he can be plugged in anywhere. There's some power and speed there to go along with defensive flexibility. Again, expecting nothing. But it sure is fun to see him get an opportunity. 

I think you and I are #1 and #2 in the Michael Helman fan club @DocBauer. Probably up for defensive flexibility and base running. Every AB you get Michael Helman is like gold. We're cheering for you!

[AceWrigley]

2 hours ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

this also tells you how much Farmer is going to play in September. Not much.  

Considering he threw 23 pitches on Saturday, he'll need a rest.

[Maybe Next Year]

I’m just curious why the Twins DFA’d Boushley and called up Castillo. I don’t have an answer or an opinion. Just curious. Any opinions? 

[Fred]

7 hours ago, DJL44 said:

I hope for the Saints. I would much rather see Lee, Lewis, Correa, Buxton and Castro with the Twins.

Next season they won't want to pay Kepler, they won't re-sign Margot, I don't think they will re-sign Santana, and I'm not sure of Farmer's  staus.

[Tiantwindup]

A sad thing about the rule change regarding Sept call-ups is the impact the rule has on rewarding long-time organizational minor leaguers with a taste of the majors. Think Tommy Watkins.  Whether it’s Helman or Kersey that helps the team more, in the old days both could have been rewarded with a Sept call-up. 

[Karbo]

17 hours ago, Brett said:

I’m surprised by Helman over Keirsey. I get the positional flexibility, but thought Keirsey has a higher upside bat.

Appreciate if someone can help me understand.

The only reason I can think of is that he's a RH bat.

[Karbo]

8 hours ago, Fred said:

Next season they won't want to pay Kepler, they won't re-sign Margot, I don't think they will re-sign Santana, and I'm not sure of Farmer's  staus.

Farmer will be gone unless he's willing to take a HUGE pay cut.

[Rufus]

17 hours ago, Brett said:

I’m surprised by Helman over Keirsey. I get the positional flexibility, but thought Keirsey has a higher upside bat.

Appreciate if someone can help me understand.

Helman is a right handed hitter,  Keirsay is not

[AceWrigley]

1 hour ago, Karbo said:

The only reason I can think of is that he's a RH bat.

Helman can play SS and CF, both of which we need help with.

[jorgenswest]

1 hour ago, Karbo said:

The only reason I can think of is that he's a RH bat.

Helman’s wRC+ in AAA is 126 to Keirsey’s 117. In 2023 it was 122 to Keirsey’s 93. Maybe Helman is the better hitter.

[twinfan]

The only thing that will help the Twins right now is to get the walking wounded back on the field.

[LambchoP]

Would have rather seen Keirsey than Helman. I don't understand the obsession with RH bats. Most pitchers are RH, meaning a lefty will have the advantage in most cases. I get that Helman is a utility guy and can move around, but how many of those guys do you need? I'd rather have someone who plays just the outfield really well, than someone who can play everywhere but only ok. Castillo has no business in the majors. Hopefully Winder will take his place soon. Varland could also really help our bullpen, but with Zebby getting rocked last time out, I think they want to keep him stretched out in case he needs to take Zebbys place.