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Minnesota Twins Promoting Travis Adams for MLB Debut
The Minnesota Twins were blown out by the Oakland Athletics on Thursday. It wasn't just that the 14-3 score was problematic. Unfortunately the recently promoted starting pitcher David Festa was shelled for eight runs and lasted just 3 2/3 innings. Travis Adams will now try to save the pitching staff.
That output meant the bullpen was going to be taxed and it came on the heels of a Wednesday game in which four different relievers were used. After both Jorge Alcala and Kody Funderburk turned in lackluster outings, Rocco Baldelli went with infielder Jonah Bride for two innings.
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Minnesota doesn't have an off day and welcomes the Toronto Blue Jays to Target Field on Friday. The bullpen needs fresh arms and that's where Travis Adams comes in.
Travis Adams headed to Minnesota Twins
This offseason the Minnesota Twins added Travis Adams to their 40-man roster. The move protected him from being eligible for the Rule 5 Draft and ensured he would be available to them this season. Now just over two months into the season, he's on his way from St. Paul to make his Major League Debut.
Adams has been a starter for the entirety of his professional career. This season, with the Saints rotation being loaded, he has worked as a piggyback bulk arm. In 13 games he has pitched 42 innings but made just two starts.
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The 2021 6th round pick owns a 3.43 ERA and has a 37/10 K/BB. He has surrendered just two home runs and has a 1.143 WHIP.
Adams sits in the mid-90's with his fastball. He pairs it with a cutter, sinker, slider, and changeup. He also sprinkles in a curveball. It's a true starter's arsenal out of the bullpen. He has also generated an 11.8% whiff rate this season at Triple-A.
A corresponding move coming for MN Twins
David Festa turned in an ugly outing during his return to the Minnesota Twins lineup, but he should be expected to stay. Pablo Lopez is out for at least two months, and Festa will be given every opportunity to substantiate his earlier success.
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The corresponding move for Adams likely comes down to Funderburk and Alcala, both of whom were utilized Thursday. Alcala was awful generating just one out and giving up a grand slam. He has a 7.54 ERA this season and has been incredibly inconsistent. He is out of minor league options though, and could reject a demotion due to service time.
Related: Rocco Baldelli Shines Light on Timing of Pablo Lopez Injury
That puts Funderburk on the chopping block. The left-handed reliever has also struggled to find consistency and owns a 7.50 ERA. Currently he is the only left-handed reliever in Minnesota's bullpen, but injured reliever Danny Coulombe will begin a rehab assignment with St. Paul on Friday.
Minnesota should have Coulombe back in short order, and Adams can eat inning until he returns. The Twins host the Toronto Blue Jays for three games over the weekend before having a much-needed off day on Monday.
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