On a busy Tuesday, the Minnesota Twins took on the challenge of splitting their roster for two spring training matchups. They hosted the Baltimore Orioles at Lee Health Sports Complex and traveled to face the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park.
Unfortunately, it wasn't a victorious day for the Twins, as they fell to the Orioles 10-5 and the Rays 12-1. Despite the losses, the games offered a unique opportunity for the team to evaluate a slew of pitchers.
In total, the Twins used 16 pitchers across both games, a move that might be more about experimentation than results. Spring training is the perfect time to test the waters, and the Twins certainly took advantage of it.
Game Breakdown: Twins vs. Orioles
Pitching Performances:
- Andrew Morris: 1.1 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
- Sam Ryan: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
- Taylor Rogers: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
- Anthony Banda: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
- Cole Sands: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
- Dan Altavilla: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
- Mike Paredes: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
- Jarret Whorff: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
- Ricky Castro: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Overall Stats: 9 IP, 14 H, 10 ER, 9 BB, 9 K
Key Insight: Dan Altavilla continues to impress with his second consecutive scoreless outing. After signing a minor league deal this winter, he's making a strong case for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Game Breakdown: Twins vs. Rays
Pitching Performances:
- Christian MacLeod: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
- Ivran Romero: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
- Julian Merryweather: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
- Darren Bowen: 1.1 IP, 4 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
- Grant Hartwig: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 1 HBP
- Raul Brito: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
- Andrew Bash: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 1 K
Overall Stats: 8 IP, 8 H, 12 R (11 ER), 7 BB, 2 K
Key Insight: Grant Hartwig is in a tough spot after allowing three runs and hitting a batter. With six runs allowed in just 2.2 innings this spring, he's facing an uphill battle to secure a spot on the roster.
Final Thoughts
While the Twins didn't come out on top, the day was more about discovery and development. Spring training is all about finding the right fit and seeing who can rise to the occasion.
With plenty of pitchers vying for a spot, these outings offer valuable insights into who might make the cut when the regular season rolls around. Keep an eye on players like Altavilla, who are making the most of their opportunities.