Confirmed: Released Pitcher Left MN Twins, Not Vice Versa

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Dan Altavilla - Minnesota Twins
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Minnesota Twins lost 3-1 Monday afternoon to the Chicago White Sox. It was the first of a four-game series against the Southsiders that kicked off Memorial Day and ended with their first L in five games.

Nonetheless, it was a valiant effort by Zebby Matthews, who didn’t have his best stuff since making his 2026 MLB debut a couple weeks ago, but the 27-year-old flamethrower still managed to give the Twins’ offense a chance during his 6 innings of work. Unfortunately, early mistakes cost him dearly.

Eventually, Zebby handed things off to fellow rotation tweener, Simeon Woods Richardson, who looked pretty good yet again, in his second opportunity out of the bullpen.

  • Z. Matthews: 6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 2 HR, 88 PC
  • S: Woods Richardson 2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K, 35 PC

Again, three runs isn’t that much to ask of a MN Twins offense that’s been hot of late. They could not get it figured out against Monday against Anthony Kay or any of the White Sox’ three relievers, though.

Brooks Lee took Kay deep with nobody on in the top of the first inning. After that, the Twins left eight runners on base and went 1-for-7 with RISP. During the course of a 162-game season, you can’t win them all.

Minnesota Twins dropping pitchers… or vice versa

And to their credit, the White Sox have been playing a lot better baseball in 2026, at least compared to what we’ve seen from them anytime in recent history. Tomorrow, is scheduled to take the mound as the Twins try to even their series in the Windy City..

But before then, the Minnesota Twins have been busy making some depth roster moves in the bullpen, reportedly cutting loose veteran relievers Luis Garcia and Dan Altavilla, the latter of whom pitched 28 games (2.48 ERA) last season for the Chicago White Sox

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As you may have noticed by Dan Hayes’ (The Athletic) tweet, Garcia elected free agency after he cleared waivers and the Twins optioned him to St. Paul. The 39-year-old righty was designated him for assignment on Saturday after posting a 10.38 ERA in 8.2 innings out of Minnesota’s bullpen.

At least Garcia got his chance. The other veteran reliever who walked away on his own accord Monday, Dan Altavilla, cannot say as much. The 33-year-old signed with the Twins way back in December, but was not able to make the team out of Spring Training. And now two months later, he’s calling it quits with the Twins too.

Dan Altavilla confirms on X that he asked for release, just like Garcia

How do we know Altavilla pulled the plug on Minnesota and not the other way around? Well, it came directly from the eight-year MLB veteran, himself. He made his decision to leave the Twins public on X, in the replies of Brandon Warne’s (formerly of ZoneCoverage.com) tweet above.

Unfortunately, Dan Altavilla can only blame himself for the Twins’ unwillingness to call him up. Yes, the bullpen is in dire straits, and has been for much of the 2026 season. And yes, the former 5th round draft pick has proven he can get it done at the big league level (career 4.00 ERA in 148.2 MLB IP).

Nonetheless, it was still his job to convince them that he could get any professional hitters out now… and he definitely failed to do that, posting a 7.32 ERA in 19.2 innings at Triple-A with the Saints.

No matter, that’s two veterans who have decided they are better off with no job, than waiting for things to get better with the Minnesota Twins. Take that how you will…

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