As their bullpen grapples with injuries, the Twins bolstered their pitching staff on Tuesday by acquiring relief pitcher Michael Tonkin from the New York Mets. The transaction only required cash considerations from the Twins, as the Mets had recently designated Tonkin for assignment due to a slow start this season.
This marks a significant return for Tonkin, now 34, who initially entered the majors with the Twins over a decade ago.
The Twins’ strategy for utilizing Tonkin on the mound remains uncertain. However, given their current absence of middle relievers including Caleb Thielbar, Justin Topa, and Daniel Duarte, as well as star closer Jhoan Duran, it’s likely that Tonkin will see action at some point.
As the Twins prepared for batting practice on Tuesday, manager Rocco Baldelli confirmed that Tonkin had yet to arrive in Minnesota. When questioned about Tonkin’s role in the bullpen, Baldelli emphasized the flexibility of their pitching staff, stating that most arms don’t have designated roles and must be prepared to pitch in various situations.
Regarding Tonkin’s appeal to the Twins, Baldelli highlighted his experience as the primary factor. Despite his age, the Twins believe Tonkin still possesses the skills necessary to be a successful pitcher and can contribute the type of performance they’re seeking.
Kepler on injured list
After attempting to push through a right knee contusion, outfielder Max Kepler informed the Twins that he needed some time to recuperate. Consequently, the Twins placed Kepler on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday, facilitating their acquisition of Tonkin without requiring an additional roster move.
“Max couldn’t shake off the discomfort and preferred to address it before returning to play,” explained Baldelli. “That’s the current status.”
The injury originated from when Kepler fouled a ball off his right knee during the season opener on March 28. Encouragingly, there are still no indications of structural damage. This assessment has remained consistent since the incident occurred.
“The only update is from Max himself, expressing his discomfort,” Baldelli noted. “He wasn’t feeling well.”
Replacing Kepler in the lineup will necessitate a collective effort.
“We’ll have multiple players rotating in the outfield,” Baldelli stated. “We’ll utilize our entire roster.”
Thielbar begins rehab assignment
It appears that Thielbar is edging closer to a return from a left hamstring strain that has sidelined him for the entirety of the season thus far. He was slated to commence a rehab assignment with the St. Paul Saints, aiming to rejoin the Twins’ bullpen sooner rather than later.
The plan entails Thielbar making a couple of appearances at the Triple-A level before undergoing reassessment.
“I can’t predict what will happen after his second outing because the situation remains uncertain at this point,” Baldelli commented. “It will depend on his condition and what he’ll be capable of upon his return.”
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