MN Twins Swap Out Bullpen Pitchers Before Series vs Royals

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Scott Blewett, Minnesota Twins
Credit: Chris Tilley-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins are 3-6 through their first nine games of the season. Their latest debacle came on Sunday when they blew a six run lead on getaway day against the Houston Astros, eventually falling 9-7 in 10 innings.

Chris Paddack struggled again, and was pulled after just four innings (7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K), meaning the MN Twins bullpen were needed for six innings of work. As has been the case multiple times already this season, Rocco Baldelli’s relief corps now needs fresh arms.

Unlike Randy Dobnak — who made the Minnesota Twins Opening Day roster because his contract allows the organization to call him up and send him down (via DFA + waivers) as many times as they want — RHP Scott Blewett is out of minor league options and not under the type of deal that will allow him to clear waivers.

Scott Blewett back in the big leagues for Minnesota Twins

That’s why the Twins needed to stash him on the farm until they were certain his role had some staying power. Now appears to be that time because Monday morning, the MN Twins announced that Scott Blewett’s contract was being selected from Triple-A St. Paul.

In a corresponding move, right-handed reliever Darren McCaughan was designated for assignment where he will now be subject to waivers, allowing any MLB team to purchase his contract and place him on their 26-man roster.

McCaughan, who was promoted from St. Paul on March 31, threw 22 pitches on Sunday, where he got just two outs, while one run on two hits (1 BB). The Twins used the 29-year-old veteran reliever for 5 1/3 innings across three games in one week’s time.

And in his emergency spot duty, McCaughan delivered with a very impressive 6/1 K/BB ratio, 1.69 ERA and 1.40 FIP, by far his best stretch of big league pitching in his 61.1 career innings pitched. If he isn’t claimed, no doubt he will get another shot in the 2025 MN Twins bullpen.

What does Blewett bring to Twins bullpen?

Last season Blewett threw 20 1/3 innings for the Minnesota Twins. He carried a 1.77 ERA and had an 18/8 K/BB. It was his first season back in the big leagues after pitching in 2020 and 2021 with the Kansas City Royals. Blewett had a 2.79 ERA during 9 2/3 innings of Grapefruit League action.

Minnesota pushed Blewett’s velocity up to a 93.7 mph average in 2024. He leaned heavily on his four-seam fastball and sinker, while also sprinkling in a slider. Rocco Baldelli will use Blewett in similar low-leverage spots that were picked for McCaughan.

He will look to provide better results than the three runs he’s allowed in 2 1/3 innings down with the Saints. Given how well McCaughan pitched when called upon, they must have confidence Blewett will be better on the big league bump.

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There is still plenty of time for the Minnesota Twins to turn their 2025 luck around. Remember, this is pretty much the same team that was 17 games over .500 last August. They’ve lost four of five games outside the division so far this season (swept in St. Louis, lost two of three vs Houston).

MN Twins starters must be better in Kansas City

The Twins’ only series win came against the lowly Chicago White Sox. They’ll get a chance at their second AL Central rival this week, with a four-game set against the Kansas City Royals. Simeon Woods Richardson will take the ball on Monday, into Pablo Lopez Tuesday, Joe Ryan Wednesday and Bailey Ober on getaway Thursday.

If the Twins are going to turn things around, then they’ll need strong performances from their starters at Kauffman Stadium. Woods Richardson is making his second start of the season. He allowed 2 runs on 5 hits (1 BB) in his first outing vs the White Sox.

After a rough Opening Day outing (5 IP, 4 R, 2 ER) Pablo Lopez recovered in his second start of the young season, which came against the Houston Astros, pitching 7 solid innings, striking out 5 Astros hitters while allowing just 1 run on 4 hits (1 BB).

Joe Ryan has gone 5 innings in each of his two starts, but the 28-year-old righty struggled in his last outing vs Houston, allowing 4 earned runs on 5 hits (2 HR, 5 K). Bailey Ober struggled in his first start of the season (game 3 vs the Cardinals), where he allowed 2 runs on 5 hits (4 IP).

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He was better in his start vs Houston (3 H, 1 ER, 5 K), but only lasted four innings because of his high 84 pitch count.The Royals had Ober’s number last year, too. In three games, Kansas City posted a .322/.344/.695 line against the 29-year-old righty, scoring 14 runs on 19 hits in 13 1/3 innings.

On the bright side, the Minnesota Twins lineup has scored at least six runs in four of their last five games. That production continuing would be great to see, and should help to save both the rotation and bullpen. Last year the Twins went 7-6 against the Royals. They had a -2 run differential.

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