Twins Acquire Justin Lawrence to Bolster Bullpen

The Twins have acquired RHP Justin Lawrence from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for cash considerations. Basically, this means the Twins paid a little extra to jump the teams ahead of them on the waiver wire to ensure they would acquire Lawrence. 

Lawrence has thrown 22 innings for the Pirates this year, and his results have been not great leading to the Pirates designating him for assignment on May 29. Over the 22 innings, Lawrence has 25 strikeouts, but has also given up 12 walks while surrending 20 runs (13 earned) in that time frame. 

Lawrence throws three pitches, a sinker, a sweeper, and a four seam fastball, throwing primarily the sinker (42.2%) and sweeper (39.6%). 

Lawrence will provide some depth in a bullpen that desperately needs it. The Twins are hoping his results can improve in a new situation. Last season, he looked much better out of the Pittsburgh bullpen, throwing 17.2 innings with 23 strikeouts and a 0.51 ERA and a 2.25 FIP. If he can get back to those type of results, he could earn some higher leverage spots in a bullpen that has struggled.