If Another Minnesota Twins Starter Gets Hurt, Which Arms on the Farm Would Be Next in Line?

[Cody Schoenmann]

Image courtesy of © Tim Vizer-Imagn Images

Entering the 2025 MLB season, the Minnesota Twins were deemed one the organizations most well-equipped to endure the threat of starting pitcher injuries, rostering prized young starting pitchers David Festa, Zebby Matthews, and Andrew Morris at Triple-A St. Paul. Luckily, Minnesota only needed to dip into their starting rotation depth during the first two months of the season, promoting Festa when ace Pablo López was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right hamstring strain on Apr. 11.

Minnesota activated López from the 15-day IL on Apr. 25 and sent Festa back to the minors. The Twins rotation thus returned to its Opening Day five-pitcher rotation of López, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Chris Paddack, and Simeon Woods Richardson. The status quo remained until Woods Richardson was demoted to Triple-A St. Paul on May 15, following a string of lackluster starts and a noticeable dip in his fastball velocity. Club decision-makers rewarded Matthews with Woods Richardson's rotation spot, providing the former top prospect his first extended opportunity of the year.

The staff remained healthy and productive until López suffered a teres major strain during his June 3 start against the Athletics, which will sideline him for eight to 12 weeks. As a result, the front office was again forced to promote Festa. Five days later, Matthews was also placed on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder strain, forcing the team to recall Woods Richardson. That leaves Morris as the final line of reinforcement before starting pitching depth becomes a significant concern.

Despite not possessing a 40-man roster spot and not yet making his major-league debut, Morris joining Minnesota's starting rotation would be a welcome development, given that he has generated a respectable 3.86 ERA and 4.36 FIP over 53 2/3 innings pitched in an offense-friendly league and home stadium. Still, depth beyond Morris has become a significant concern. Given the parent club's recent misfortune with starting pitcher injuries, however, the team may be forced to continue drawing on its minor-league starting pitching depth. Who is Minnesota most likely to call upon after Morris? Let's take a look at the most likely options:

Travis Adams
Despite earning his first promotion to the majors on Jun. 6, Adams was quickly optioned back to St. Paul on Jun. 9 to make room for Woods Richardson on the 26-man roster. The 25-year-old right-handed arm has yet to make his debut. That said, there is reason to believe Minnesota will be forced to call upon his services later this season.

Ideally, Adams could take on a long relief role, effectively mimicking the one Cole Sands filled in 2023. If more starting pitching injuries arise, though, Adams could need to start games for the parent club. In that case, he would likely take on a bulk role, meaning a back-of-the-bullpen reliever like Justin Topa or Jorge Alcala would open the game, pitch to three or four batters, and hand the ball over to Adams for a multi-inning performance.

Again, Minnesota being forced to rely on starting pitching depth beyond Morris would be a worst-case scenario. However, Adams would be a serviceable major-league arm whom the club could trust. Pitching prospect Marco Raya could also function as a bulk arm. That said, given his significant struggles at Triple A in his age-22 season, the club would be wise to go to drastic measures to avoid exposing him to major-league hitting.

Darren McCaughan or Randy Dobnak
This is where we, Twins Territory, really get into the weeds. McCaughan was initially brought to Minnesota this offseason as a multi-inning, low-leverage reliever, a role he fulfilled for the parent club over 5 ⅓ innings pitched in early April. However, his role has changed since his Apr. 6 demotion, earning starts in five of his nine appearances.

The soft-tossing righty has generated a 4.06 ERA and 5.97 FIP over 37 ⅔ innings pitched, becoming a fixture in the Triple-A rotation. The 29-year-old’s transition into a starting pitcher has been relatively surprising. However, given that the organization has entrusted him with this newfound, more impactful role, there is reason to believe they could turn to him if a catastrophic number of starting rotation injuries were to arise. 

After making the 2025 Opening Day 26-man roster, Dobnak appeared in one game in a mop-up role, giving up one run over 5 ⅓ innings pitched. Dobnak could be deemed interchangeable with McCaughan. Both are veteran, minor-league options who would likely pitch in three- to four-inning spurts, similar to Adams or Raya. However, given Dobnak’s lackluster 5.87 ERA and 5.21 FIP over 30 ⅔ innings pitched with St. Paul, there is reason to believe McCaughan has a slight edge.

Connor Prielipp
Of the options named (including Morris), Prielipp presents the highest ceiling. Despite performing well at Double-A Wichita this season (3.13 ERA and 3.03 FIP over 31 ⅔ innings pitched), though, he won't be available for a while. The organization placed the 24-year-old on the 7-day IL with a blister on Tuesday. His 7-day IL stint follows the organization's recent placement of Prielipp on the developmental list to minimize his workload.

Hopefully, Prielipp will pitch again later this season. Given his early season success, there is reason to believe he could earn a promotion to Triple-A, and eventually the majors. Still, given his perpetual health concerns and the team's desire to mitigate his workload, Adams, McCaughan, and Dobnak are more likely to receive immediate opportunities. If injuries arise later this season, Prielipp could be in line to make his major-league debut.

View full article

[mikelink45]

This article gives me no confidence.

[NJTwin]

Does it matter? Based upon who has come up to date,  no need to get excited about another 'filler'.

[NJTwin]

And while we are talking about potential call ups, can we PLEASE send Alcala down!🤮

[teej]

Darren McCaughan MLB starter is a possibility too terrifying to think about

[h2oface]

3 minutes ago, NJTwin said:

And while we are talking about potential call ups, can we PLEASE send Alcala down!🤮

Would have to be DFA'd. No options left. Probably would be claimed. I think best to have him "injured" with mysterious arm fatique, need rehab, and try to fix him. Because we have a process......... right? Pitching experts. The pipeline and all.

[Mark G]

Is there anyone in the entire organization that could give you 6 innings and keep you in the game somewhat?  If so, bring him up now; if not, start looking at trade possibilities.  We don't need any more "starters" who go 3 2/3 - 4 2/3 innings allowing 3-5 runs; got enough of those already.  Is there ANYONE in the vaunted pitching pipeline we can turn to?  

[Mark G]

1 minute ago, Mark G said:

Is there anyone in the entire organization that could give you 6 innings and keep you in the game somewhat?  If so, bring him up now; if not, start looking at trade possibilities.  We don't need any more "starters" who go 3 2/3 - 4 2/3 innings allowing 3-5 runs; got enough of those already.  Is there ANYONE in the vaunted pitching pipeline we can turn to?  

On second thought, maybe we should just hold a try out camp for pitchers, pitching coaches, managers, and general managers.  What have we got to lose?  🥴

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

They may have to do something crazy like look outside the organization for a starting pitcher.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

I'm sorry that this interesting article was necessary. Pablo could have pitched last night, instead of SWR.

[Patzky]

So I guess the Trading Paddack article isn't a thing..

[Exiled in Illinois]

Let's not forget about Bride...he's already on the roster!

[tony&rodney]

The Twins have exactly the players that Falvey wanted. He has said so on numerous occasions. The  transactions and trades since 2017 reflect his wishes. We get to follow the outcome of his design.

[DJL44]

25 minutes ago, Patzky said:

So I guess the Trading Paddack article isn't a thing..

If Randy Dobnak is in the rotation at the trade deadline, then I would highly recommend trading Paddack in the inevitable fire sale.

[rdehring]

"Hopefully, Prielipp will pitch again this season."

When I read the STrib this morning and saw he was on the 7-day IL because of a blister I shouted with joy.  Although blisters can be a lingering problem, shutting him down should get him back relatively soon.  

Yet, when I read your comment it seemed to indicate there was something more serious?  Do you know something the rest of us don't?  I understand with his history that the Twins are being extra cautious.  And they should.  

Assuming he is back and healthy in a ten days or a couple weeks, I can still see him making it all the way to the Twins by late this year.  Doubt he will be available to fill their short-term needs, but everything seems to be in line for next year and beyond.

[Patzky]

29 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

The Twins have exactly the players that Falvey wanted. He has said so on numerous occasions. The  transactions and trades since 2017 reflect his wishes. We get to follow the outcome of his design.

'The Process' of which Sim spoke..

[Patzky]

31 minutes ago, Exiled in Illinois said:

Let's not forget about Bride...he's already on the roster!

Bet we could get Kyle Farmer back too

[Patzky]

1 hour ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

They may have to do something crazy like look outside the organization for a starting pitcher.

Mahle Envy

[DJL44]

Morris is next, then Adams. That gets us to pitcher #9 on the depth chart. Raya is on the roster, so he might get a look if they're desperate. Trent Baker just got promoted to AAA and has pitched pretty well at Double-A. He'd be next on my list. At that point we're 10 pitchers in on the depth chart and Jeremy Zoll is going to be active on the waiver wire. Another team's castoff is likely better than the 11th best pitcher in the organization.

[NYCTK]

Still too late to stretch out Jax as a starter? 

Seriously think that was a huge error not to even entertain the idea in Spring Training. 

[TwinsDr2021]

what would it cost to get Alcantara at this point? he has been bad but imagine what this staff could do to develop him the next year and a half and if not don't pick up his option in 27. Sure it will cost around 27 million the next year and a half, but .....

[LambchoP]

If another starter goes down I think they can kiss the playoffs goodbye. SWR and Festa have shown flashes, but they're too inneficient and don't pitch deep enough. Morris or Adams would probably be next, but I think it would be smarter to put Adams in the pen. He can piggy back Sim or Festa whenever they have a short start. Adams being able to throw bulk innings would save our pen also. It's past time to dump Alcala anyways. After last night's showing, how can they keep him on the big league roster. We sure are going to see if this so called deep pitching pipeline actually exists. Problem is, I don't see any of these guys becoming solid big leagues until we get down to Prelipp, Hill or Soto, and these guys are all still a ways off. Plus, with all the injuries, especially Prelipp, they may have to move to the pen eventually..... I'd like to see them acquire a starter at the deadline, maybe someone with another year or two of control, but it won't happen.

[LA Vikes Fan]

56 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Morris is next, then Adams. That gets us to pitcher #9 on the depth chart. Raya is on the roster, so he might get a look if they're desperate. Trent Baker just got promoted to AAA and has pitched pretty well at Double-A. He'd be next on my list. At that point we're 10 pitchers in on the depth chart and Jeremy Zoll is going to be active on the waiver wire. Another team's castoff is likely better than the 11th best pitcher in the organization.

This sounds right except that I think Dobnak is probably #9. There was a lot of talk on the site about trading Paddack before the season so that Festa, SWR, and Matthews could get a "fair chance". Well, be careful what you wish for. They're getting that chance now. Matthews has been okay to good in limited outings, SWR bad and seemingly getting worse, and we'll see about Festa over the next couple of starts.

This is why you keep pitching depth. MLB teams have used an average of 11.8 different starting pitchers per season 2015. Some teams have used as many as 16. Even assuming a couple of those guys are "openers", you have to go into every season assuming that you're going to use at least 8 – 10 different starting pitchers for at least a minimum of 5 starts apiece. We are about 40% of the way through the season and we've now used 7 starters. Frankly, that's about right. Life could be worse, we could be the Dodgers. They have already used 13 different starters. 

I also think the criticism about not having enough of a "pitching pipeline" is way overblown. We have three young pitchers who actually deserve an MLB shot. That is much better than most teams. There is nobody out there that's got 7 or 8 proven competent starters. Nobody, not even the Dodgers. If you are a competent starting pitcher, you are on a major league roster starting for some team. You're not out there as a street free agent or toiling away in AAA.

Well, it should be interesting to watch and see how these three guys do, plus a possible chance of seeing Morris, Adams, or even Baker. Hopefully we will get at least one middle to back and starter and one middle to top and starter out of the first three guys. My bet would be Festa in the middle to back end and Matthews more towards the middle to top end with SWR as a long man/spot starter type, but we will see how that goes. The preseason predictions were correct; the Twins were in as good a position as anyone to endure injuries to starting pitching by having some promising young depth. Time to find out how promising these guys really are.

[mickster]

34 minutes ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

what would it cost to get Alcantara at this point? he has been bad but imagine what this staff could do to develop him the next year and a half and if not don't pick up his option in 27. Sure it will cost around 27 million the next year and a half, but .....

It would cost a couple top prospects for sure just too get them on the phone

[TwinsDr2021]

12 minutes ago, mickster said:

It would cost a couple top prospects for sure just too get them on the phone

are there any in the top 10 besides Jenkins and Keaschall that wouldn't be willing to trade? Maybe not Erod and Soto, but would a Raya, Winokurt and say Lewis be enough?

[LA Vikes Fan]

Alcantra is a very interesting idea depending on the price. If I'm the Twins, the top 5 prospects are off the table, as is Soto. After that, I'm open for business. They can have one in the 6-12 range, one in the 13-20 range, plus a throw in of Julien, Prato, Eeles or (maybe) Miranda. I still have hope for Mirnada and I think they dumped Mike Ford to see if Miranda could show enough in AAA to be the 2026 1B on the big club.  So a package like  Lewis or Raya (but not both), Gonzales or Hill, plus one of the throw-ins. Seems like that could be a win-win. 

[Patzky]

1 hour ago, LambchoP said:

If another starter goes down I think they can kiss the playoffs goodbye. SWR and Festa have shown flashes, but they're too inneficient and don't pitch deep enough. Morris or Adams would probably be next, but I think it would be smarter to put Adams in the pen. He can piggy back Sim or Festa whenever they have a short start. Adams being able to throw bulk innings would save our pen also. It's past time to dump Alcala anyways. After last night's showing, how can they keep him on the big league roster. We sure are going to see if this so called deep pitching pipeline actually exists. Problem is, I don't see any of these guys becoming solid big leagues until we get down to Prelipp, Hill or Soto, and these guys are all still a ways off. Plus, with all the injuries, especially Prelipp, they may have to move to the pen eventually..... I'd like to see them acquire a starter at the deadline, maybe someone with another year or two of control, but it won't happen.

That Bauer dude.. or is his name Kaepernick..

[PuckettProtector]

Trevor. Bauer. Make it happen. 

[NYCTK]

Trevor Bauer not only sucks as a human, he sucks as a pitcher. 

May as well sign Curt Schilling if you want to ruin your team's clubhouse with a washed pitcher. 

[mickster]

1 hour ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

are there any in the top 10 besides Jenkins and Keaschall that wouldn't be willing to trade? Maybe not Erod and Soto, but would a Raya, Winokurt and say Lewis be enough?

Erod will need to be in the deal.   Erod and Raya might get something done.