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With the calendar flipping to September, it’s time for expanded rosters. Historically, teams were able to call up any players on their 40-man roster. However, beginning in 2020, teams have been limited to expanding rosters by just two players - one pitcher and one hitter. So how are the Twins adding three players? It’s coming at the expense of Manuel Margot, who’s hitting the IL with a groin strain suffered in last night’s drubbing by the Blue Jays.
Brooks Lee
Fans will likely be happy to see the return of Lee, after he completed his rehab assignment with the Saints. He got off to a hot start in his initial call-up, collecting eight hits in his first week, with power and plate discipline. His production suffered mightily thereafter, though, as he attempted to play through a shoulder injury. Eventually, he landed on the IL on Aug. 8. With his return, the Twins regain some much-needed roster flexibility. He will likely split time between shortstop, second base, and third base. With news that Royce Lewis has been taking reps at second, it’s possible that Lee will spend the bulk of his time at third if and when Carlos Correa returns from his bout of plantar fasciitis. Lee’s plus defense will help the struggling pitching staff prevent runs. Offensively, it’s tough to say exactly what to expect from him. Will he produce at close to the level he did prior to his injury? If so, the Twins just got a lot better.
Diego Castillo
Journeyman pitcher Diego Castillo had a brief stint with the Twins earlier this season, and threw seven innings across five appearances. Despite pitching to a 2.57 ERA, he had a 5.32 FIP, due to a too-high walk rate of 9.0 per 9 innings. Over the past three seasons, he’s also struck guys out at a worse than average clip. This season with the Saints, his WHIP is 1.64. If this doesn’t sound promising, it probably shouldn’t. The very fact he’s getting a call-up is an indictment of the current state of the Twins bullpen, after losing all of Brock Stewart, Justin Topa, Steven Okert, Jay Jackson, Josh Staumont, and Trevor Richards to injury or ineffectiveness. Castillo will likely pitch primarily in low-leverage situations. While the Twins' greatest bullpen need is for pitchers who can throw in late and close situations, there aren’t many options in the system, aside from taking chances with converting a starter to relief, or hoping that Topa or Chris Paddack can return this season. The latter migrating to the 60-day injured list as part of this cluster of moves isn't necessarily cause for new concern; he was already sure to be out a total of over 60 days.
Michael Helman
Drafted in the 11th round in 2018, Helman is getting his first cup of coffee in the bigs. At 28 years old, he’s old for a prospect. In 63 games with the Saints this season, he’s put up an .876 OPS while playing several defensive positions, logging at least 10 games at shortstop, center field, and third base. He’s also capable of playing second and left field. He brings speed, with 10 steals in less than half a season. He takes some walks, but also strikes out just over once a game. He gives the Twins another right-handed bat with some pop, and defensive flexibility. He’s likely to take a utility role, and will make Rocco Baldelli’s job a bit easier when it comes to optimizing lineups and making in-game moves.
With Byron Buxton (hopefully) returning soon, it’s unclear whether these additions are short-term, or if they will have the full month (and beyond?) to attempt to impress.
How do you feel about these additions? Will they help the Twins reach the playoffs? Comment below!
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