Is It Time to Worry About Jhoan Duran?

A guy who has thrown almost 47 innings this season is overworked? No. How low do you want his workload to be?

Yes, Duran (and others) has pitched a lot of high leverage innings, but this is MLB 2023, players are in better condition then generations past. If a TD member can find the info stated in the article, so can the Twins, and take measures to correct it.

Here's my take; as good as the teams catching might be by the metrics, I think the collective pitch calling has been questionable overall. There have been a lot of hard hit 0-2 pitches off of almost every pitcher, which means either the pitchers are tipping their pitches (not likely ALL of them) or the pitch calling has gotten predictable. If a batter looks silly against the heater, don't speed his bat up by throwing off-speed, climb the ladder with the fastball, start the AB with the off-speed stuff and then bring the heat, etc... Too many talented pitchers on this roster for them to be getting hit hard when ahead in the count.

Not worried. Least of the Twins' problems. 

"With the American League Central race all but locked up,"  

It should be locked up, but I fear it is far from being so.  Cleveland is only 4 games back in the loss column and we have 6 left against them, they also are ahead in the season series.  If they split the 6 games, Cle only has to tie the Twins to win the division.  The Tigers are 7 back in the loss column and has already won the season series.  

Between now and 9/6 the Twins have 3/Pitt, 2/Mil, 7/TX and 6/Cle.  This stretch will be large factor in determining the Central.

Another benefit for the 2023 Lollygagging Twins!  Rest up down the stretch and get ready for the playoffs.  

Sure, give a few SVO’s to Jax, Pagan, Balazovic, whomever.   Slip back into “closer by committee” until October. 

Guardians lost their mojo, Tigers just not there yet, White Sox at dysfunction junction, Royals trying out different pieces.  

The Lollygagging Twins have 40 games to play.  20-20 gets them to a division title at 83-79.  

Beware the Guardians, IMO. A lot can happen in one week, let alone 6. And yeah, Duran and the bullpen in general are concerning at this point in time.

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

A guy who has thrown almost 47 innings this season is overworked? No. How low do you want his workload to be?

Adding on. I looked at his game logs and he didn't pitch for 5 days in a row in August. Fatigue should not be the issue.

Guys are figuring him out some. Advanced scouting, etc. The know not to offer at his offspeed stuff if they can help it and try to be on time with the gas. If he is missing or behind in counts, like he has been lately, a ball down the middle if a hitter is sitting on it can be hit and has been. He needs to adjust and get his command back. Some rest would be fine, but let's get a few games we don't need our studs to throw in. Let Cole Sands or whoever eat up some innings up 4-5 runs. 

I'm not concerned. If we are up by 2 runs, a closer can challenge a hitter and give up a HR. Still get 3 outs and you win. Just don't issue lead off walks and everything will be fine (the next thing we'll see on TD is not Pagan over Jax but Pagan over Duran as the closer - what is the world coming to!).

2 hours ago, DJL44 said:

A guy who has thrown almost 47 innings this season is overworked? No. How low do you want his workload to be?

So sick of hearing Twins pitchers could be tired. What would have happened if we needed to be in league leaders of saves? Maybe next year the pitchers should work out with Pablo and not the training staff.

Would love to see if he can develop a slider this offseason.  With the Front Office love affair with that particular pitch, would only imagine it would greatly add to his options, even if only threw it a few times a game.

1 hour ago, JD-TWINS said:

It’s the same approach Gray has taken over past 3 starts - off the plate sliders are starting in the zone now not spiking 2 in dirt every other at bat 58ft from mound - those waste pitches are worthless. He’s recognized & cut back & now throwing less total pitches per inning.

I also think Gray is the only pitcher on the team (Maeda also??) allowed to call his own pitches. Seems like he's made the necessary adjustments and the catchers appear to be onboard with his game plan.

1 hour ago, Battle ur tail off said:

let's get a few games we don't need our studs to throw in. Let Cole Sands or whoever eat up some innings up 4-5 runs. 

Those games are called losses.

I think it’s a combination of all the things. This guy has pitched a lot in high leverage situations on. He’s literally been the only guy to turn to when SHTF. Scouting is up on him. He’s gonna blow through his IP from last year. It’s his 2nd year even in this role in the show. His stuff isn’t as sharpe. Almost everything is going against him and he’s still super dominant compared to almost anyone else. It is what it is. If the twins do their job and take games they should take he’ll have the rest to be ready to go once the calendar hits october. I think we’re just used to how dominant he was last year and everyone has now adjusted. Remember, MLB players can hit 103. He still has to be a pitcher out there. 

4 hours ago, mnfireman said:

Yes, Duran (and others) has pitched a lot of high leverage innings, but this is MLB 2023, players are in better condition then generations past. If a TD member can find the info stated in the article, so can the Twins, and take measures to correct it.

Here's my take; as good as the teams catching might be by the metrics, I think the collective pitch calling has been questionable overall. There have been a lot of hard hit 0-2 pitches off of almost every pitcher, which means either the pitchers are tipping their pitches (not likely ALL of them) or the pitch calling has gotten predictable. If a batter looks silly against the heater, don't speed his bat up by throwing off-speed, climb the ladder with the fastball, start the AB with the off-speed stuff and then bring the heat, etc... Too many talented pitchers on this roster for them to be getting hit hard when ahead in the count.

The 0-2 comment seems spot on and when you live in the strike zone, you die in the strike zone ... unless you're Greg Maddux.

Enough overthinking and delving into God forsaken analytics.  He will be fine.  Catchers and coaches do what you're paid to do but please Jhoan, just locate your amazing 103 mph gift, stay healthy, and let's win a pennant.

In a word??....No

Struck out the side in the 9th tonight vs the Pirates. Threw 13 strikes out of 14 pitches vs. the Tigers.

I'll say "No."

I’m concerned.  Regardless of the reason why he’s struggled.

When he’s at his best he’s absolutely dominant.  The bullpen is built around him.  There’s nobody else. If he’s throwing arrow straight and getting knocked around to the tune of a 4.50+ ERA, he’s a liability.  There’s big time playoff implications there.  

23 hours ago, mnfireman said:

Yes, Duran (and others) has pitched a lot of high leverage innings, but this is MLB 2023, players are in better condition then generations past. If a TD member can find the info stated in the article, so can the Twins, and take measures to correct it.

Here's my take; as good as the teams catching might be by the metrics, I think the collective pitch calling has been questionable overall. There have been a lot of hard hit 0-2 pitches off of almost every pitcher, which means either the pitchers are tipping their pitches (not likely ALL of them) or the pitch calling has gotten predictable. If a batter looks silly against the heater, don't speed his bat up by throwing off-speed, climb the ladder with the fastball, start the AB with the off-speed stuff and then bring the heat, etc... Too many talented pitchers on this roster for them to be getting hit hard when ahead in the count.

This 2 strike pitch calling or location has been a problem.  Too many hard hit balls with 2 strikes in high leverage situations. Some game breaking home runs also.  They need a better 2 strike plan. The pitchers.

Big concern is his control. Seems to always put a runner on now in one run games that means bringing winning run to the plate.