Twins Call Up Their New Pitcher
On Saturday night, the Minnesota Twins limped to the finish of a 7-1 drubbing at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays. Mick Abel made the start, becoming the fifth MN pitcher to fail to get beyond the fourth inning in just eight games.
That’s not a tenable strategy when trying to manage a poorly constructed bullpen. It gets even worse for Derek Shelton as the team doesn’t have an off day until April 17.
Zak Kent was called on to wear two innings of relief action in Game 2 of the home opening series. He threw 34 pitches and it immediately became clear a fresh arm would be needed. So, on Sunday morning, the Twins turned to their newly acquired reliever Garrett Acton.
Garrett Acton set for Minnesota Twins debt
Just three days ago, on April 2, the Twins acquired Garrett Acton from the Miami Marlins in exchange for prospect Logan Whitaker. They made the move to jump the waiver line while also adding another arm to their internal relief depth. Acton reported to Triple-A St. Paul but didn’t made an appearance yet. Now, he’s heading across town.
Twins have recalled Garrett Acton and optioned Zak Kent to Triple A. #MNTwins
— Declan Goff (@DexsTweets) April 5, 2026
The Twins had used a 19th round pick on Whitaker in 2024, and he posted a 2.11 ERA across 38 1/3 innings last year between High-A and Double-A. Minnesota didn’t simply want to get rid of him, but saw Acton as a necessary piece to supplement a bullpen that they failed to rebuild.
Of course that quickly comes to fruition with Acton being promoted to the big leagues right after being acquired. The 27-year-old has pitched in seven major league games between the Athletics and Rays in 2023 and 2025 respectively. That 6 2/3 inning sample size isn’t much to draw off of.
Would like to see the #Padres claim RHP Garrett Acton on waivers.
— Diego Garcia (@StatNerd_Base) January 23, 2026
In his return from Tommy John, Acton posted a 30.1% K rate and 11.4% walk rate in the minor leagues.
Has a quick, chippy delivery and elite rise on the FB. Also has two options remaining, worth a flier IMHO pic.twitter.com/h8rqiUqlz5
Last season at Triple-A Durham, Acton owned a 3.68 ERA across 58 2/3 innings. He struck out 71 and walked 27. Sitting mid-90’s with his fastball, and an ability to put the ball by opposing hitters, it’s obvious to see the profile aspects the Minnesota Twins like. He’s a fastball and slider pitcher, and can hopefully earn length in Shelton’s relief corps.
As is often the case with the last few spots in a bullpen, turnover is expected. The Twins did not stockpile a bunch of high-ceiling arms, but they do have several relievers with minor-league options remaining. That likely means pitchers like Garrett Acton will get called on before even productive prospects such as Connor Prielipp or Marco Raya. When that eventually changes is where this season could get interesting.
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