Minnesota Twins Promoting Travis Adams for MLB Debut

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Travis Adams, Minnesota Twins
Credit: Chris Tilley-Imagn Images

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.

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.

Minnesota doesn’t have an off day this week. On Friday, they’re back at home after a 10-game road trip, where they’ll welcome the Toronto Blue Jays to Target Field for a three-game weekend set… and they needed a fresh arm, after Thursday’s debacle.

Travis Adams headed to Minnesota Twins

That’s where Travis Adams comes in. This offseason the Minnesota Twins added the veteran righty to their 40-man roster, in order to protect him from being swiped during the Rule 5 Draft. Now, just over two months into the season, he’ll travel across the river from St. Paul to Minneapolis for his Major League debut.

Adams has been a starter for the entirety of his professional career. This season, however, with the Saints rotation absolutely loaded with starting talent, he has worked more as a long reliever/spot starter. In 13 games in St. Paul this season, Adams has pitched 42 innings, but he’s made just two starts.

Related: Rocco Baldelli Shines Light on Timing of Pablo Lopez Injury

Travis Adams throws his fastball in the mid-90’s. He pairs that with a cutter, sinker, slider and changeup, and will also sprinkle in a curveball. It’s a true starter’s arsenal out of the bullpen. With the Saints this season, he has generated an 11.8% whiff rate to go with his 3.43 ERA, 1.143 WHIP and has a 37/10 K/BB, surrendering just two homers so far this year

A corresponding move for Twins will be…

David Festa turned in an ugly outing during his return to the Minnesota Twins lineup, but I still expect him to stay. With Pablo Lopez out at least two months, Festa will likely be given every opportunity to show he belongs in the big leagues.

Instead, the corresponding move for Adams likely comes down to Kody Funderburk and Jorge Alcala, both of whom were utilized Thursday. Alcala was awful, yet again, getting just one out to go with the grand slam he surrendered.

Alcala’s 7.54 ERA this season is even worse than Funderburk’s 7.50 ERA. Kody may have the upper hand, being left-handed, if all things were equal. Alcala is out of options though, and can reject an assignment due to service time. With that being said, injured lefty reliever Danny Coulombe will begin a rehab assignment in St. Paul on Friday.

Minnesota made the Funderburk option official on Friday and announced the promotion of Adams.

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