FORT MYERS, FLA. – The Twins might face some challenges in their upcoming season as they deal with multiple pitching injuries. Anthony DeSclafani, a member of the starting rotation, has been shut down due to elbow soreness. He will visit Dr. Keith Meister to determine the next steps, which may include elbow surgery. In addition, closer Jhoan Duran is sidelined with a moderate right oblique strain, while Caleb Thielbar is dealing with left hamstring soreness.
These injuries undoubtedly pose a significant setback for the Twins. Losing a valuable member like Duran, who was expected to serve as the team’s closer, will have a notable impact on their bullpen. The Twins are bracing themselves for Duran’s absence, and though a timeline for his return hasn’t been announced, it is anticipated that he will be out for at least a month.
The pitching injuries also raise questions regarding the Twins’ depth in their pitching rotation. With DeSclafani out and Duran on the sidelines, the team will need to rely on other pitchers to step up. Louie Varland is expected to fill the final spot in the starting rotation, joining Pablo López, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, and Chris Paddack. Varland has shown promise this spring, not allowing a run in 11 innings and delivering impressive strikeouts. However, additional depth may be needed, and Twins President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey has not ruled out the possibility of adding another starter.
Despite the challenges, Falvey remains optimistic. He expressed his confidence in AAA starters Simeon Woods Richardson, Brent Headrick, and David Festa, noting their impressive performance during camp. Falvey emphasized the importance of pitching depth, considering the uncertainties and risks associated with injuries.
The potential loss of DeSclafani for an extended period also highlights the risks involved in player acquisitions. The Twins acquired DeSclafani from Seattle as part of the Jorge Polanco trade, aware of his previous injury history. He missed the final two months of the last season due to a right elbow flexor strain and had previously experienced shoulder fatigue. Although DeSclafani appeared to be in a good place following rehabbing his injury, the recent soreness raises concerns.
Looking ahead, the absence of Duran presents an opportunity for other pitchers to prove themselves. Griffin Jax and Brock Stewart are the top contenders to take on the closer role for the Twins in the early weeks of the season. Manager Rocco Baldelli expressed confidence in these late-inning pitchers, though he stressed that game situations would ultimately dictate their usage.
In addition to the pitching challenges, the Twins will also need to address their lefty relief options. With Thielbar hampered by hamstring tightness, the team will likely rely on Steven Okert, acquired in a trade from Miami, and Kody Funderburk. However, it remains to be seen how effective these lefty relievers will be in filling the void.
It is important for the Twins to navigate these injuries and adapt to ensure a competitive season. As the season progresses, adjustments may need to be made to account for ongoing challenges. The Twins will need to tap into their pitching depth and make strategic moves to minimize the impact of these injuries.
The implications of these pitching setbacks extend beyond the Twins. In a broader context, they highlight the unpredictable nature of injuries in sports and the need for teams to have robust pitching depth. The ever-present risk of injuries necessitates careful planning and contingencies to maintain competitiveness throughout the season.
Overall, the injuries to DeSclafani and Duran present both challenges and opportunities for the Twins. While these setbacks may test the team’s depth, they also provide an opportunity for other pitchers to prove themselves. The Twins will need to carefully manage their pitching staff and make strategic decisions to remain competitive in the upcoming season. As the saying goes, “There’s no such thing as too much pitching depth,” a sentiment echoed by Falvey himself. Time will tell how the Twins navigate these challenges and whether they emerge stronger as a result.
