Someone like Scott Blewett would have made a bunch of sense to round out the bullpen, but he is out of minor league options. Dobnak doesn’t have options either, but he has a contract no one else is willing to claim. That played out to their advantage when Dobnak was designated for assignment, went unclaimed, and cleared a 40-man spot.

The goal for Derek Falvey and Rocco Baldelli was to use Blewett in a spot where he could be long for the roster. The starting rotation all but negated that with their performance. The manager pulling the wrong levers in relief didn’t help either.

Scott Blewett claimed from MN Twins by Baltimore Orioles

You could say they blew it, but that would be an entirely too cheesy was to make fun of the Twins latest roster debacle. The 29-year-old threw 4 2/3 innings across two games while giving up four hits, a run, and striking out five. Baldelli needed yet another fresh arm and that led to his DFA. It was unlikely he would go unclaimed, and now that has come to fruition.

#orioles DFA LHP Luis Gonzalez and claim RHP Scott Blewett on waivers from Twins. He hasn't reported yet

— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) April 14, 2025

Despite having arguably the worst last name in sports, Blewett is a competent pitcher. He threw 20 1/3 innings last season for Minnesota and posted a 1.77 ERA (4.00 FIP). The track record isn’t long, but his 3.79 ERA at Triple-A in more than 50 innings last year substantiated the results.

Minnesota was hoping to get Brock Stewart back quickly and not need to make a move for quality depth relief talent in Blewett. Unfortunately, as has typically remained the case, Stewart suffered a setback.

Related: MN Twins Manager Rocco Baldelli Sitting on Top of Hot Seat List

The Twins didn’t have to designate Blewett for assignment, but they have become extremely insistent on always having long-relief or mop-up options. This cost Blewett his current job with Kody Funderburk being the latest arm to shuttle across town from St. Louis.

Funderburk made his 2025 debut on Saturday against the Detroit Tigers. In two innings of work he allowed a pair of runs on a dinger. Blewett’s transaction gets finalized with him going from a 5-11 team to one with a 6-9 record. Maybe Minnesota finishes better than Baltimore, but the Twins are probably already considering what their next relief swap will be.

Minnesota Twins pitching needs offensive help

The starting rotation has been a bright spot for the Minnesota Twins over the past week. They were seen as a dark-horse candidate to be a key cog of this squad. Unfortunately, despite them showing up, the rest of their teammates failed to follow suit.

Latest turn through the Twins’ starting rotation: 32 1/3 IP, 20 H, 3 ER, 5 BB, 28 K, 0.84 ERA.

The Twins had a 2-4 record in those games.

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) April 14, 2025

Ultimately it doesn’t matter how well the Twins pitch if they aren’t going to score runs. They rank 24th in offensive fWAR. That’s because they are bottom-five in average, on-base percentage, wOBA, wRC+ and walk rate. They are also 24th in slugging.

This team doesn’t play defense either. They give up a bunch of errors, can’t turn ground balls into outs, and have too many limited defenders in premium positions.

Related: MN Twins Trying to Send Message with Brooks Lee Activation, Corresponding Demotion

On one hand you’d hope the nightmare start would end. The bats certainly could afford to pick up (for the umpteenth year in a row). If the defense isn’t more engaged too though, nothing they do on the mound will matter.

At some point it would be great to establish a bullpen that doesn’t simply have a revolving door as the final spot in the group.

In their latest loss, a 7-6 blown lead against the Detroit Tigers, it was the bullpen that couldn’t hold itself together. After David Festa went 4.2 innings (64 pitches) without allowing an earned run, Rocco turned the game over to lefty reliever Danny Coulombe.

He repaid the early hook on Festa by striking out Tigers’ lefty Kerry Carpenter and successfully ending the top of the 5th inning. Unfortunately, Jorge Alcala entered in the 6th and gave up 4 earned runs on 2 hits and 2 walks, without ever recording an out.

Minnesota Twins bullpen already stretched too thin vs Tigers

Now down 5-4, the Minnesota Twins bullpen was forced to enter survival mode. Justin Topa was thrown out for 1.2 innings of duty, before Scott Blewett allowed the losing run in his 1.2 innings, to close out the contest. Both relievers threw over 35 pitchers.

And thus, only one game into this home series against Detroit, the Minnesota Twins’ are facing reliever fatigue’ bullpen is tired. Blame Rocco for the quick hook or blame Jorge Alcala for his continued MLB failures. Either way, the Twins’ season is one game closer to going off the rails, before we even get to the 25-game mark.

MN Twins recall Kody Funderburk, DFA Scott Blewett

On Saturday morning, ahead of game two vs the Tigers, Minnesota made a roster move to try and restock their bullpen (yet again). The final pitcher Friday night, RHP Scott Blewett, was Designated for Assignment. Recalled from St. Paul to take his place — left-handed reliever Kody Funderburk.

We have made the following roster move: pic.twitter.com/EK1YEiVarh

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) April 12, 2025

Kody Funderburk (@KodyFunderburk) made his @MLB debut for the @Twins and had an outing he’ll never forget 👏

2 IP / 0 H / 0 R / 0 BB / 3 K

He retired all 6 batters he faced, collected his first 3 strikeouts in the majors, and picked up his first major league W ✅#MNTwins pic.twitter.com/p2cffqOkI9

— Twins Player Development (@TwinsPlayerDev) August 29, 2023

Given how well Chris Paddack’s 7.1 innings of work have gone so far this season (14.76 ERA, 2.59 WHIP), I’m not sure one lone call up will be enough to protect an already worn out Minnesota Twins bullpen from what it might be up against this afternoon.

While this isn’t Funderburk’s first MLB rodeo, it is the 28-year-old‘s first big league stint of 2025. He comes into this afternoon’s AL Central showdown with a career 5.01 ERA, 4.07 FIP and 1.436 WHIP in 46.2 major league innings.

Scott Blewett DFA could be risky…

More interesting to watch could be the DFA of Scott Blewett, who was brought in as a possible longer-term solution in the middle of the Twins bullpen this summer, not for two games. But will he clear waivers and make it to St. Paul? The 29-year-old Blewett only has 33 innings (19 games) of MLB experience.

Related: MN Twins Get Recently Released Pitcher Back

In that short sample size, however, he holds a 2.18 ERA, 204 ERA+ and a 3.51 FIP. In his 4 innings of work for the Twins this season, Blewett owns a 1.93 ERA, 1.48 FIP, 0.857 WHIP and a 227 ERA+. Obviously, Falvey could very well know something we don’t, but that doesn’t seem like a bullpen arm you let get through waivers.

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.

We have made the following roster move: pic.twitter.com/M1bbaA6Ftn

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) April 7, 2025

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.

Scott Blewett is NOT living up to his name this spring, registering another great performance!

The 28-year-old righty seems determined not to blow it, posting a 1.50 ERA this spring! pic.twitter.com/Jh7Jx98dlh

— Pitch Profiler (@pitchprofiler) March 17, 2025

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.

Related: Glen Taylor Teased Again as Potential MN Twins Buyer

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).

Pablo López, 96mph Paint. 🖌️🎨 pic.twitter.com/qJmgVW4khd

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 2, 2025

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).

Related: Return is Near for One Injured Twins Infielder; The Other… Not So Much

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.

They lost their first position player when Royce Lewis strained his hamstring last week. Michael Tonkin is nursing an injury as well, and will begin the year on the injured list. He was a bottom-tier bullpen option regardless. Unfortunately he’s is going to be joined by another, much higher-tier, bullpen arm as well.

Brock Stewart begins season on injured list for Minnesota Twins

Plenty of steam has been percolating about the Minnesota Twins having the best bullpen in baseball this coming year. That could be true if they are healthy. Unfortunately, that same reality existed last year and they left Fort Myers with multiple players on the injured list. The first big blow this time around comes in the form of Brock Stewart starting the year on the injured list.

“Brock Stewart threw around 20 pitches in a minor league game Saturday against the Boston Red Sox’s Class AAA club, but it’ll likely be a couple of weeks before he is pitching in a major league game.

Stewart was informed he will begin the season on the Twins’ 15-day injured list. His buildup this spring was slightly delayed after he underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery last August, and he exited an outing March 15 with a minor hamstring issue.”

Bobby Nightengale – Star Tribune

Related: Minnesota Twins Bullpen Harboring Dark Horse Stud Nobody is Talking About

There was always a level of uncertainty as to whether Stewart would begin the season with Minnesota. The Twins played coy about it, but this is a pitcher that has thrown just 43 1/3 innings since 2020. It’s possible that the buildup from his offseason shoulder surgery would have kept him from Opening Day, but the slight hamstring injury is an easy way to explain it.

“We have to keep our eyes open to the end goal here, which isn’t just the start of the season. It’s the whole season.”

Nick Paparesta – Star Tribune

The good news, which has remained the case despite his many injuries, is that Stewart’s stuff stays intact. He was reportedly around 95-96 mph in the minor league game. The last two seasons with the MN Twins he has averaged 97 mph on the fastball.

He throws his heat around 43% of the time, and in 2023, generated a whiff rate near 20%. Stewart’s 2.28 ERA with the Twins makes him among the most dominant relievers in baseball. He has 59 strikeouts, and just 19 walks the past two seasons. Obviously Minnesota needs to get him to a place where he can be, and stay, on the mound.

An open spot remains for MN Twins

Once it was announced that Tonkin would start on the injured list it became apparent that there was room for Louie Varland in the bullpen. Now with Stewart destined for the same result, Baldelli has another spot to decide on.

Rule 5 selection Eiberson Castellano remains in camp. The Twins would love to keep the Phillies 2024 minor league pitcher of the year in the organization, but he has made it tough to trust him with his Grapefruit League performance. The 7.59 ERA across 10 2/3 innings isn’t as problematic as the 13/10 K/BB is.

If Minnesota is going to keep Castellano for mop-up duty, they can’t afford for him not to throw strikes. Scott Blewett started on Saturday and also remains in camp. He owned a 1.77 ERA across 20 1/3 innings for the MN Twins last season. Blewett was solid, if not unspectacular at Triple-A as well with a 3.79 ERA in 54 2/3 inning with the Saints. He could be the option if they don’t trust Castellano at this point.

Related: Chronic Back Injury Causing Problems for MN Twins Infielder Again

As camps wind down there should be plenty of pitchers that are released, and trigger opt outs as well. Minnesota could go that route if they aren’t convinced their internal options are the best choice. When it comes to open roster spots, this is one to watch.

Kyle Farmer back… Brooks Lee off the Minnesota Twins active roster

Brooks Lee, according to multiple reports, is no longer on the Twins’ 26-man active roster, meaning he is likely the corresponding move to Farmer’s activation. According to Bobby Nightengale (Star Tribune), he is going on the injured list.

Kyle Farmer is on the active #MNTwins roster and in the starting lineup. Brooks Lee is not. No word yet on move.

Pitcher Scott Blewett has been added to the bullpen as well.

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) August 9, 2024

Entering this weekend series, the 23-year-old‘s batting average is down to .253, his OPS a disappointing .642 (81 OPS+). Lee has dealt with back issues all season, and he was not in the lineup for Minnesota’s last two games of their series in Chicago.

Brooks has suggested that his back issues could cause problems throughout his career. Or, at the least, for the foreseeable future. In more bad news, Twins No. 2 starter Joe Ryan is going on the injured list and his stay won’t be a short one.

Joe Ryan tricep injury now a grade two strain; Scott Blewett added to bullpen

The tricep injury that he and the Twins thought was minor, has turned out to be a grade two strain, meaning he will be out for weeks/months, putting his availability for the playoffs in question.

Joe Ryan has a grade 2 teres major strain. He’s down for a considerable period.

Brooks Lee is headed to the IL too. #MNTwins

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) August 9, 2024

The Twins also have a new pitcher coming to their bullpen. Scott Blewett is a 28-year-old reliever with only 8 total innings of big league experience. Also of note, he hasn’t pitched on an MLB mound since 2021, with the Kansas City Royals.

In his 8 career innings, Blewett has a 3.83 ERA and 147 ERA+ and 1.875 WHIP. Blewett has been a consistent option out of the bullpen for the St. Paul Saints all season. I don’t know if anyone has told him… but that’s a brutal last name to have for a relief pitcher.

Scott Blewett is back in the big leagues for the first time since 2021 with the #KCRoyals.

He has a 3.66 ERA with 52 K in 51.2 IP for the @StPaulSaints this year.

— Ted (@tlschwerz) August 9, 2024

Audra Martin (Bally Sports North), who sang God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch recently, is reporting that reliever Brock Stewart will have season-ending arthroscopic surgery to repair his shoulder. Frustrating end to a frustrating season for the 32-year-old righty, who had such high hopes entering the summer.