Pablo López’s Injury May Give Rocco Baldelli What He’s Always Wanted

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints

One of the consistent staples of Rocco Baldelli’s bullpen philosophy has been his desire to carry a long reliever—a pitcher who can bridge multiple innings and preserve the rest of the bullpen during short starts or blowouts. It’s a role the Twins have tried to fill in the past, with mixed results. The tricky part? When a team is in a stretch of tight, low-scoring games, that long man can sit unused for over a week. It’s tough to stay sharp, and even tougher to justify a roster spot for someone who might throw once every 10 days. Having the practical maximum of solid relievers available (even if it be for just two or three outs at a time) is how a club sustains torrid fortnights like the winning streaks that set the team back on track in each of the last two years; long relievers are better for absorbing damage and shortening losing streaks.

But with Pablo López now expected to miss 8-12 weeks due to a teres major strain, the calculation changes. The Twins’ rotation is suddenly home to a pair of exciting but unproven rookies, in Zebby Matthews and David Festa. If the team wants to avoid burning out its bullpen by the All-Star Break, the need for a trusted long man might outweigh the usage concerns. That’s where Travis Adams enters the conversation.

A Developmental Success Story
The Twins selected Adams in the sixth round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of California State University (Sacramento), a program known for producing polished college arms. From the outset, Adams wasn’t viewed as a flamethrower or a top-of-the-rotation arm, but rather a pitcher with a mature approach and the ability to fill up the strike zone with a mix of average or better offerings. He signed for the modest $253,000 slot value at that pick. In other words, he was tailor-made to become a steady presence in a minor-league rotation.

Adams proved to be accurate in his projections over his first two professional seasons, posting solid numbers while steadily rising through the system. His 2024 campaign with Double-A Wichita was particularly impressive. He compiled a 3.67 ERA across 25 starts, with a 24.5% strikeout rate and a 6.3% walk rate. He showed durability and command that many evaluators believed could translate to a swingman or backend big-league starting role. The Twins thought highly enough of him to add him to the 40-man roster in November, to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. That decision is now looking more prescient than ever.

Evolving into a Piggyback Specialist
The 2025 season has marked a subtle but essential shift in Adams’s development path. While he had functioned primarily as a traditional starter throughout his minor-league career, Triple-A St. Paul has utilized him in a hybrid piggyback role this year. Often following high-upside starters like Marco Raya (and even Matthews and Festa, before their big-league call-ups), Adams has become a dependable multi-inning arm who can bridge the gap between the starter and the best of the bullpen.

The results? Impressive. Through the first two months of the Triple-A season, Adams has quietly posted a sub-3.50 ERA, with a WHIP hovering around 1.15, while maintaining a solid strikeout-to-walk ratio. His strikeout rate has improved from 11.4% at Triple-A last season to 21.3% in 2025, which is closer to his career mark. He’s averaging over three innings per appearance and has been incredibly consistent, allowing more than two runs in only three outings.

“[Adams has] been great, he’s been great in that role,” said Saints manager Toby Gardenhire. “It’s a new thing for him, but I think he does a really good job in it. He comes out there, throws strikes, pounds the zone, he’s got good stuff, too, so I think he’s doing a really nice job with it, and hopefully we can get him up to the big leagues in that role, too.”

It’s that ability to throw strikes, minimize damage, and soak up innings that makes Adams a compelling call-up candidate.

Why the Twins Might Need Him Now
With Pablo López sidelined, the Twins rotation is currently led by Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, and a resurgent Chris Paddack. Those three bring consistency and the potential for six- or seven-inning starts. But behind them, it’s a different story. Matthews and Festa have both shown flashes of brilliance during their big-league tenures, but neither has been a lock to work deep into games. Both have been monitored closely by the Twins, who are understandably cautious about overextending young arms during their first full MLB season.

That caution has a ripple effect. Short outings by starters force the bullpen to carry a heavier load, and over time, that can wear down even the most resilient relief corps. The Twins' bullpen has been a strength this season, but asking the likes of Griffin Jax, Louie Varland, and Jhoan Duran to cover four or five innings multiple times per week is a fast track to burnout.

Adams could step into that gap. If Matthews exits after 13 or 14 outs, Adams can give the team two or three solid frames and keep the game in reach. If Festa runs up a high pitch count in the third inning, Adams can calm the waters without burning through multiple one-inning relievers. In essence, he’d serve as an MLB-level version of the role he’s already thriving in at Triple A.

One of the barriers to calling up a pitcher midseason is often the need for 40-man roster space, but the Twins already cleared that hurdle with Adams last winter. With a spot already secured, they can promote him without the risk of losing another player to waivers or making a difficult DFA decision.

Additionally, the Twins have a few bullpen arms who may be optioned or cycled through in the coming weeks. Jorge Alcala has struggled and is unable to be optioned to the minor leagues; he's on DFA watch. Kody Funderburk has been used sparingly as the team’s only lefty. Adams would be a natural fit to replace one of those arms, while giving the Twins a different look in terms of bullpen structure. There’s also a strategic component: in an era when MLB teams are constantly looking for ways to stretch out their pitching staffs without overexposing any one arm, long relievers who can pitch 2-4 innings are as valuable as ever. Adams fits that profile perfectly.

While the average fan may not be clamoring for an Adams call-up, the Twins front office and coaching staff likely recognize how important his skill set could be over the next two months. In a season where depth is more vital than ever (and with a playoff race that remains tightly contested), reliable innings might be the most valuable currency in baseball.

Adams may not light up radar guns or dominate headlines, but his path through the Twins system and recent success in a piggyback role suggests he’s ready for this next challenge. If the Twins want to weather the storm of López’s injury without overextending their bullpen or rushing their prospects, Adams may be the quiet solution they need and fill Baldelli’s appetite for a long reliever.

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Do you think the Twins should give Adams a shot in the big leagues? Let us know in the comments below, or head to the forums to weigh in on how Minnesota should manage its pitching depth moving forward.

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[mikelink45]

both he and SWR should be in the pen instead of Funderburk and Alcala!

[Jeff K]

Adams and Coloumbe will round out the bullpen rather nicely.  

[Mark G]

That all sounds wonderful..........if Adams is everything Codie makes him out to be.  If he is a AAA pitcher not quite ready for prime time.........what is plan B? 

For now, I am choosing to believe Codie has it nailed and we are going to weather the storm.  As always, hope springs eternal.   

[Blyleven2011]

I have never heard Rocco claim Rocco wants a long man , if he wanted one , what Rocco wants , Rocco gets ...

Don't tell me there were no real choices for this position  ...

[MinnInPa]

why does it seem when other teams bring up AAA for spot starts they breeze thru our lineup ..but our AAA guys usually get pounded??? been like that for years.. I really thought Funderburk would shine...be good to get Coloumbe back ... and agree that Alcala's time here is over

[JD-TWINS]

27 minutes ago, Mark G said:

That all sounds wonderful..........if Adams is everything Codie makes him out to be.  If he is a AAA pitcher not quite ready for prime time.........what is plan B? 

For now, I am choosing to believe Codie has it nailed and we are going to weather the storm.  As always, hope springs eternal.   

Pretty sure Alcala’s stuff would allow him to have a sub 3.50 ERA with less walks, at AAA. He wouldn’t be as afraid to be aggressive with strikes.

His lack of performance (Alcala’s) is a much bigger reason to promote Adams or someone and not Lopez’ injury.

SWR to rotation & Festa to PEN eventually could be a positive move as well.

[Rod Carews Birthday]

Weird headline.  How about "Twins' need for long reliever grows with Pablo's injury" instead of the clickbaity title? 

If Adams can come up and pitch well in 2-3 inning stints, that could be extremely valuable to the preservation of the rest of the guys in the bullpen.  Alcala probably has better stuff than Adams, but at this point he has probably worn out his welcome and needs to go, which is a shame.  I think he will figure things out somewhere else and be effective.  Such is the nature of relief pitching.  A huge number of successful relievers have flamed out with a previous team (or several teams). 

[Cory Engelhardt]

4 minutes ago, Rod Carews Birthday said:

Weird headline.  How about "Twins' need for long reliever grows with Pablo's injury" instead of the clickbaity title? 

If Adams can come up and pitch well in 2-3 inning stints, that could be extremely valuable to the preservation of the rest of the guys in the bullpen.  Alcala probably has better stuff than Adams, but at this point he has probably worn out his welcome and needs to go, which is a shame.  I think he will figure things out somewhere else and be effective.  Such is the nature of relief pitching.  A huge number of successful relievers have flamed out with a previous team (or several teams). 

Agreed on this. It's really hard to believe that any manager would prefer their ace get injured so they can give a shot to a long-man instead.

[Hubie29]

Hopefully we can use him after an opener and not waste him in "Alcala" situations, after the game has been decided. Would like to see if he can strengthen the rotation because Matthews and Festa are scary options. 

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

53 minutes ago, Rod Carews Birthday said:

Weird headline.  How about "Twins' need for long reliever grows with Pablo's injury" instead of the clickbaity title? 

If Adams can come up and pitch well in 2-3 inning stints, that could be extremely valuable to the preservation of the rest of the guys in the bullpen.  Alcala probably has better stuff than Adams, but at this point he has probably worn out his welcome and needs to go, which is a shame.  I think he will figure things out somewhere else and be effective.  Such is the nature of relief pitching.  A huge number of successful relievers have flamed out with a previous team (or several teams). 

Agreed. Wording was a bit odd there although the article was otherwise on point.

[Rhyno006]

1 hour ago, JD-TWINS said:

His lack of performance (Alcala’s) is a much bigger reason to promote Adams or someone and not Lopez’ injury.

YES! Alcala has been driving me nuts this year. One day he's looking really good and the next time he gives up a grand salami and totally implodes against the A's of all teams. 

[ashbury]

"Pablo López’s Injury May Give Rocco Baldelli What He’s Always Wanted"

Yes, because Rocco has long intended to replace Lopez with Travis Adams.  🤣

These headlines just keep getting worser and worser.  What would have been wrong with a simple "Pablo's Out; Now What?"

That said, Adams has shown a nice track record for learning on the job - struggling a little each time he's promoted then improving at the same level the next time around.  If he struggles against major leaguers and has to get sent down, I wouldn't necessarily give up on him.

[NYCTK]

I can cosign on DFA'ing Alcala. Adams, Lovelady, and Misiewicz all deserve a chance over him. 

[Fire Dan Gladden]

Headline aside, it's not like the Twins haven't had an effective long reliever in the past, or is everyone forgetting Cole Sands last year.

Rather than pigeonholing Adams into a specific situational role, the Twins will continue to do what every team does: pitch their most effective relievers as much as possible. If Adams is in that group, he will probably pitch multiple middle innings when appropriate, as he is currently best set up for that role.

[Western SD Fan]

I would assume that Adams will be initially used as a mop-up guy or in a long-term pitching situation (2+ innings).  If he doesn't implode, he will get better opportunities in the bullpen.  Similar to what we have seen prior with Sands and Varland.  I would love to see Adams in the situation of maybe being up or down a run or two but needing to effectively pitch multiple innings.  A question will be what his recovery time after each outing.  A dream would be to break up Zebby and Festa so they are not pitching on back-to-back days.

[AKTwinsFan]

Idk why we didn't try and make a trade or attempt to sign a veteran arm this past off-season. Now we gotta do it before the deadline. If we want to be around in October. 

[Mike Sixel]

2 minutes ago, AKTwinsFan said:

Idk why we didn't try and make a trade or attempt to sign a veteran arm this past off-season. Now we gotta do it before the deadline. If we want to be around in October. 

Veteran arm? For whom? At some point, you have to play rookies. I don't get this at all. 

[Parfigliano]

1 hour ago, Rhyno006 said:

YES! Alcala has been driving me nuts this year. One day he's looking really good and the next time he gives up a grand salami and totally implodes against the A's of all teams. 

A's can hit.  Their pitching stinks.

[LambchoP]

Hopefully Adams replaces Alcala and can be successful as a 2-4 inning biggy back starter/long man reliever. Then, Coloumbe can replace Funderburk and our pen starts to look complete. The only question is the back end of our rotation. Would be nice to pick up a SP at the deadline but that is not the Twins' style anymore.....they will play up Pablo's return and Keaschal coming back saying that's all the reinforcements we'll need 

[Althebum82]

And sort of right on cue, it is officially announced:  Adams is replacing Funderburk today.

[DJL44]

28 minutes ago, Althebum82 said:

And sort of right on cue, it is officially announced:  Adams is replacing Funderburk today.

I hope Adams gets to pitch before he's replaced on the roster by Coulombe

[Twinsrtheworst]

Out of curiosity, are there any truly successful long relievers around anymore?  I honestly don’t know, I only watch the Twins and yes Sands was used as one a couple seasons back.  But is it something a majority of contending teams use?  I could see some of the much lesser teams possibly using them, not sure.  I’m Not against it but seams like a hard position to excel at in today’s game.

[Bodie]

5 hours ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Agreed on this. It's really hard to believe that any manager would prefer their ace get injured so they can give a shot to a long-man instead.

Easier to believe if you think "Rocco" is spelled r-o-c-k-h-e-a-d, but yeah...

[Bodie]

4 hours ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

Headline aside, it's not like the Twins haven't had an effective long reliever in the past, or is everyone forgetting Cole Sands last year.

Rather than pigeonholing Adams into a specific situational role, the Twins will continue to do what every team does: pitch their most effective relievers as much as possible. If Adams is in that group, he will probably pitch multiple middle innings when appropriate, as he is currently best set up for that role.

Or, look to the booth (occasionally) to get yourself some LaTroy Hawkins.

Bad starter, ergo untrustworthy to the be a closer (even if young Hawk probably had the "stuff" to be an elite closer) when first moved to the BP.  By default he was a long reliever. And he resurrected (maybe just surected, as he never had ML success over any length of time) his career, building trust (mostly by being more effective) until he was trusted as a late inning reliever.  For 20 years (pretty sure he hit that mark... could be wrong).

Not a bad go of it for a guy who had an inauspicious start. 

[jorgenswest]

19 minutes ago, se7799 said:

Out of curiosity, are there any truly successful long relievers around anymore?

The White Sox have used Mike Vasil in that role. He has one appearance following an opener so that is more of a starter than a long reliever but even without it he averages 2 innings an appearance.

The A’s use Mitch Spence in that role though they use an opener quite a bit so he has some appearances where he was a bulk reliever. He still averages less than 2 innings a relief appearance.

I don’t think the Twins should try to copy two of the worst teams in baseball by assigning that role to a specific pitcher.

A third pitcher to consider is Ben Casparius from the Dodgers. He is averaging nearly two innings a relief appearance. Looking at his game log insome of those he was in more of a starter role where he followed an opener because the Dodgers had some injury trouble.  In his 20 other appearances 7 (35%) have gone at least two innings. Funderburk has 3 of 9(33%) of 2 innings and that number would likely be greater if he was effective.

The traditional long relief role  in baseball is no longer. Bullpens are too heavily used and teams can’t have a pitcher throw 3+ innings and be unavailable for several days. Instead a shuttle to AAA or the DFA route is used to fill that last spot. The Twins used Dobnak, McCaughan and Blewett in the role. Funderburk has been in that role and now they need another arm that can take on those innings. It is Travis Adams turn. It is up to Travis Adams to take this opportunity and move up the bullpen ladder. Cole Sands and Griffin Jax made the most of the opportunity. Funderburk and Alcala haven’t taken advantage.

The long reliever role in baseball still exists but it is a revolving door. Travis Adams has just entered the door. Success in that role can result in someone else going out.

[twinstalker]

What about Marco Raya is high upside?  Lots of guys throw his mph and have a pitch.  If he's high upside, then everyone is pretty much high upside.

[Blyleven2011]

9 hours ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

I love this approach as long as he can succeed with 2-3 inning stints.  As you correctly point out Cody, with two short-inning starters he would be ideal to bridge the gap to the pen.  We've all seen what happens when the pen is overworked.

It may eliminate the need to bring a guy up for a bullpen game without having to send him down to STP after the game.  If he fills in on those blowouts or short starts, the one-inning pen guys can take over the next few games allowing him to rest so he can to recover and be ready for the next time.  This may suggest that Festa and Matthews are not scheduled to start on consecutive days.

It almost seems like it could have its own category.  Not a starter, not a bullpen guy, a middle pen guy or some other catchy name.

Are any other teams doing this?

Your right about  zebby and Festa,  they shouldn't start back to back but they did in Sacramento  , think they should split them up  , someone should get a few extra days of rest ...

[DocBauer]

Going to echo comments that the headline is a bit disingenuous in presentation. It could have, and should have been written differently. 

A solid 2024, including a strong second half, and his 40 man addition had us all thinking "when" and not "if" Adams was going to be up. I had thought/hoped it might be after July 1st, but these things are always fluid.

Initially, I thought Tonkin was going to make the club and fill this role, 2 IP twice per week, and Topa or Varland might do it once in a while. But again, these things are always fluid.

Right now, we could really use Adams grabbing hold of opportunity, even as a rookie, and just be a solid once through the order 2 IP option to help bridge the gap from starter to the rest of the pen. Its a role he seems prepared for, and talented enough to do. But he's also a rookie getting his first shot, so we'll just cross our fingers and hope. Things don't always click the first time.

The traditional "long man" has changed from bygone days, even with shorter starts, with the advent of an 8 man pen. But even with a really good staff, there is room for a "middle man" who can go 2 innings twice a week, maybe 3 IP once in a while. Losing Lopez HURTS! But if Matthews and Festa can go 5 IP per start...maybe squeezing out 6 here and there...and just be solid as they feel their way as young ML starters, someone like Adams being a 2 IP bridge can make a huge difference. 

The question is, even if he performs well, how long does he stay up? Coulombe is starting a rehab. If that goes well, he should be up within a week. Then it becomes a debate who gets sent down/out. I still don't see them getting ready of Alcala at this point based on pure stuff and potential if he gets his head right. 

[Doctor Gast]

12 hours ago, Blyleven2011 said:

I have never heard Rocco claim Rocco wants a long man , if he wanted one , what Rocco wants , Rocco gets ...

Don't tell me there were no real choices for this position  ...

Good point Bly. IMO, Baldelli has had many opportunities to try out a long RP but hasn't & seemed stuck using 1-inning RPs even if they could go longer. I hope he has changed. I disagree with the idea that long RPs shouldn't be in close games & they'd be sitting around for days. Do you think long relief is synonymous with mop-up games? No, they should be used in close games too, any game that doesn't go over 5 innings, they could be used.  With Festa, SWR & Zebby in the rotation, there'd be many opportunities for long relief plus any clunker that Ryan, Ober or Paddack might throw. Long relief is necessary for keeping the rotation & BP from being burned out, which usually happens. Hope Adams comes through if not there are others that could be used.