Twins Hope a Returning Pitching Duo Serves as Bullpen Reinforcements

[Cody Christie]

Minnesota’s bullpen has been the center of attention because of the team’s recent struggles. The Twins hope a pitching duo returning from injury can provide a late-season boost.

Image courtesy of Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints

As the Twins push toward October, their bullpen has been a point of emphasis in solidifying their postseason roster. A critical component of their strategy could involve welcoming back two key arms: Chris Paddack and Justin Topa. Both hurlers are progressing in their rehab journeys, and the team is hopeful their returns will provide much-needed stability to a bullpen that has seen its share of ups and downs.

Paddack, who has been recovering from a right forearm strain, took a significant step forward by throwing his first bullpen session on Friday. This step marked a pivotal moment in his comeback, as Paddack’s potential to offer high-velocity, late-inning relief could be a game-changer. Last season, the Twins used Paddack as a reliever in October in his first action since returning from his second Tommy John surgery. He made two scoreless appearances in October while covering 3 2/3 innings with six strikeouts and no walks. 

“I can say, next homestand, ‘I want to push,’ and be ready to go for Baltimore or something like that, a little redemption from the beginning of the season,” Paddack said. “But if they want me ready for October, I'll nod my head and say, ‘All right, I'll be ready.’”

Similarly, Topa, sidelined for months, threw a 30-pitch bullpen on Saturday. Topa joined the Twins this winter as part of the Jorge Polanco trade. Minnesota hoped he’d be a late-inning bullpen option for the entire season, but a knee injury in spring training has kept him sidelined for the entire year. If both pitchers continue to progress smoothly, they could be viable bullpen options come October.

“Whatever it is, a handful of innings at the end of the year and then build that into a playoff push, see what happens -- I think for me, the silver lining is just to get back into games and finish the year healthy,” Topa said. “Have that platform to go into the offseason and get ready for next year.”

The Twins have already shown a willingness to adjust their pitching staff, as seen with Louie Varland's transition from the starting rotation to the bullpen. Varland's stuff has ticked up in short bursts, and his velocity and aggressiveness can play up in critical situations. Unfortunately, he allowed six earned runs in one inning on Saturday, which will hurt his overall numbers for the season. Moving him into relief duties indicates that the Twins are committed to maximizing their best arms down the stretch.

However, the bullpen hasn’t been without struggles. Jorge Alcala has battled inconsistency, and the usually dominant Jhoan Durán has faced uncharacteristic challenges. Durán, despite his electric stuff, has had issues in non-save situations, but there are still reasons to trust the team’s closer. The back of the Twins’ bullpen includes pitchers like Scott Blewett, Ronny Henriquez, and Michael Tonkin. That trio of pitchers likely won’t be trusted with innings in the playoffs, so the team needs to find reliable arms to help it win critical games. 

If Paddack and Topa can return to form, their presence could allow Rocco Baldelli to mix and match more effectively in late innings, easing the pressure on Duran and others. With his starter experience, Paddack could be an ideal fit for multi-inning outings. At the same time, Topa’s arsenal makes him a candidate for high-leverage matchups against both righties and lefties.

As the regular season's final weeks unfold, the Twins' ability to get these key arms back in action could be a determining factor in their postseason success. What should the Twins expect from Paddack and Topa? Can they be reliable bullpen assets? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

 

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[chpettit19]

I mean, there's plenty of question marks in the pen, and pitching staff as a whole, but are they really expecting a guy who hasn't thrown a single MLB pitch this season to come back and be a key part to anything? It's throw things at the wall and see what sticks time, but if these are the hopeful saviors of the Twins season and postseason I'm not loving their chances.

[bean5302]

2 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

I mean, there's plenty of question marks in the pen, and pitching staff as a whole, but are they really expecting a guy who hasn't thrown a single MLB pitch this season to come back and be a key part to anything? It's throw things at the wall and see what sticks time, but if these are the hopeful saviors of the Twins season and postseason I'm not loving their chances.

Or a guy who wasn't effective when he was pitching? The front office sure does seem to have their favorites.

[Craig Arko]

Operative term here is “hope.”

[USAFChief]

Wouldn't be Twins Daily if there wasn't someone, somewhere still pushing Topa as the bullpen savior. 

[CRF]

Topa is just a figment of someone's overactive imagination...he doesn't really exist. Kind of like Keyser Soze. Some might argue that Paddack doesn't really exist either. 

[NYCTK]

This is kind of ridiculous to be hoping on these players TBH.

The real question in my mind is if we keep them around next year. Paddack is due 7.5 Million and Topa will get a decent raise in arbitration. 

[mikelink45]

It's a mystery. Who knows what we'll get. Hope it's a I want to add good but who knows. 

[Brett]

Surprised you didn’t mention Connor Prielipp. At least he’s thrown some innings this year.🤔

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

1 hour ago, NYCTK said:

This is kind of ridiculous to be hoping on these players TBH.

The real question in my mind is if we keep them around next year. Paddack is due 7.5 Million and Topa will get a decent raise in arbitration. 

Topa can be non-tendered.

Paddack is more complicated. No one would trade for him and if they did, the Twins would have to attach some type of prospect to sweeten the pot.

[NYCTK]

15 minutes ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

Topa can be non-tendered.

Paddack is more complicated. No one would trade for him and if they did, the Twins would have to attach some type of prospect to sweeten the pot.

Topa COULD be nontendered. But let's say he's due 1.2 million and his health looks OK in the winter...is it really wise to? 

But Paddack...man, idk. This roster is just such a poorly constructed mess at this point with the self inflicted restrictions. 

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, NYCTK said:

Topa will get a decent raise in arbitration. 

Maybe, but missing an entire season with injury can't help his arbitration case. I can't see him getting above $2M which is almost nothing for a major leaguer.

[DJL44]

22 minutes ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

Paddack is more complicated. No one would trade for him and if they did, the Twins would have to attach some type of prospect to sweeten the pot.

I think Paddack would get taken on waivers. 1 year, $7.5M isn't that much for most teams.

[Blyleven2011]

I hope everyone  gets there hope , because that is exactly what it is ,  this time of season  ,    ( HOPE ) ....

Varlands melt down on Saturday  , they waited probably  alittle to long to move him to bullpen  , lightning doesn't always strike in the same place  , I hope he can give us better innings like last years version  from the bullpen  ...

[NYCTK]

3 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Maybe, but missing an entire season with injury can't help his arbitration case. I can't see him getting above $2M which is almost nothing for a major leaguer.

I don't even see him getting that much. But even if it's a half million over league minimum, when you're the Twins, every half million matters. As pathetic as that is. I think it'd be pretty foolish to non-tender him, but we'll see what the Twins do. 

[DJL44]

3 minutes ago, NYCTK said:

I don't even see him getting that much. But even if it's a half million over league minimum, when you're the Twins, every half million matters. As pathetic as that is. I think it'd be pretty foolish to non-tender him, but we'll see what the Twins do. 

I could easily see the Twins missing the playoffs and using that as an excuse to tear down and rebuild, especially if they get new leadership in the front office.

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

15 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

I could easily see the Twins missing the playoffs and using that as an excuse to tear down and rebuild, especially if they get new leadership in the front office.

I think the most likely outcome...

1. Twins miss the playoffs.
2. Injuries are used an excuse.
3. Rocco and the front office are retained.
4. Sacrificial lambs - Watkins and Popkins.
5. Master class is signing AAA+ arms to the round out the bullpen. Talk will be about how the Twins 'see something' they like.
6. Lots of positive press in January / February about the health of Correa, Buxton, Royce and Ryan.
7. First free agent signing is bargain bin starting pitcher to compete with SWR and Festa.
8. Opening Day.

[gman]

Off season they spend wondering how Detroit finished higher. They sign one free agent for less than $5 mil and he is a pitcher. They cut payroll an additional 15-20 mil. Then spring training starts and we place odds on witch players falls apart first.

[NYCTK]

7 minutes ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

I think the most likely outcome...

1. Twins miss the playoffs.
2. Injuries are used an excuse.
3. Rocco and the front office are retained.
4. Sacrificial lambs - Watkins and Popkins.
5. Master class is signing AAA+ arms to the round out the bullpen. Talk will be about how the Twins 'see something' they like.
6. Lots of positive press in January / February about the health of Correa, Buxton, Royce and Ryan.
7. First free agent signing is bargain bin starting pitcher to compete with SWR and Festa.
8. Opening Day.

 

C: Vazquez and Jeffers  - $15 Million 

1B: Julien - $800K 

2B: Lewis - $3 Million 

3B: Lee - $800K

SS: Correa - $37 Million 

LF: Larnach - $2 Million 

CF: Buxton - $15 Million 

RF: Wallner - $800K

DH: Miranda - $800K

4OF: Keirsey - $800K 

MIF: Castro - $5 Million 

Util: Martin - $800K

This right here is a roster with no depth and worthy of about 74 Wins. Eventually, they'll depend on Rodriguez to come up and perform well, and he falters because he's a rookie expected to perform well. 

[NYCTK]

1 hour ago, Brett said:

Surprised you didn’t mention Connor Prielipp. At least he’s thrown some innings this year.🤔

Reminds me. Canterino should be healthy any day now! 

[karcherd]

51 minutes ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

I think the most likely outcome...

1. Twins miss the playoffs.
2. Injuries are used an excuse.
3. Rocco and the front office are retained.
4. Sacrificial lambs - Watkins and Popkins.
5. Master class is signing AAA+ arms to the round out the bullpen. Talk will be about how the Twins 'see something' they like.
6. Lots of positive press in January / February about the health of Correa, Buxton, Royce and Ryan.
7. First free agent signing is bargain bin starting pitcher to compete with SWR and Festa.
8. Opening Day.

I agree with all except for number 4.  Watkins might be gone, but this regime doesn't like to admit mistakes and making a scapegoat of someone might be admitting to a mistake.

[chpettit19]

1 hour ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

Topa can be non-tendered.

Paddack is more complicated. No one would trade for him and if they did, the Twins would have to attach some type of prospect to sweeten the pot.

You wouldn't get anything useful back, but I don't think you'd have to pay to move Paddack. A 1 WAR pitcher for 7.5 isn't a horrible asset for teams not looking to cut payroll. If the Twins want to move that 7.5 I'm sure they could find somebody who'd throw them a Jay Harry equivalent. 

[D.C Twins]

I believe this is a sign that we are solidly in the 'bargaining phase' of grief for this season

[jkcarew]

Playoffs!!???

Playoffs!!!!???????

[jkcarew]

3 hours ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

I think the most likely outcome...

1. Twins miss the playoffs.
2. Injuries are used an excuse.
3. Rocco and the front office are retained.
4. Sacrificial lambs - Watkins and Popkins.
5. Master class is signing AAA+ arms to the round out the bullpen. Talk will be about how the Twins 'see something' they like.
6. Lots of positive press in January / February about the health of Correa, Buxton, Royce and Ryan.
7. First free agent signing is bargain bin starting pitcher to compete with SWR and Festa.
8. Opening Day.

Is it possible to be cynical and realistic at the same time?

I think with this club it is.

[LambchoP]

Neither of these guys are going to save us even if they do pitch again this year which I highly doubt. As far as next year, I think we should try to find a way to dump Paddacks 7.5 million dollar salary and put that towards signing a legit SP to pair with Pablo. Flaherty, Eovaldi, Kikuchi....we should be able to afford 20 million if we dump Paddack. We're already getting Kepler, Farmer, Margot, Santana and Theilbar off the books. As for Topa, he's cheap enough and we need all the help we can get in the bullpen. As we've seen, pitching and depth gets you to the playoffs.

[NYCTK]

1 hour ago, LambchoP said:

...we should be able to afford 20 million if we dump Paddack. 

Not a chance. There's a greater chance they trade Pablo than there is they sign ANOTHER $20 Million arm. 

[Doctor Wu]

Great to hear that they both pitchers are throwing again, but it's so late in the season, that I'm not even sure that it matters at this point.