As the Minnesota Twins wrapped up their final spring training game against the Boston Red Sox, decisions loomed large over the bullpen. With the clock ticking down to Opening Day, the team needed to finalize those last two bullpen spots. It was a day where every pitch and every play mattered.
The Twins started the game by testing their relievers, before handing the ball to starter Mick Abel, who took care of four of the last five innings. By the end of the day, Cody Laweryson and Zak Kent emerged victorious, securing their spots in the bullpen.
Post-game, the Twins made some tough calls. Dan Altavilla and Trent Baker, along with catcher David Bañuelos and shortstop Orlando Arcia, were sent down to the minor league camp. Meanwhile, Matt Bowman was granted his release after being informed he wouldn't make the Opening Day roster.
Cody Laweryson, at 27, is no stranger to the Twins. Having debuted with them last year, he spent the winter with the Los Angeles Angels before rejoining Minnesota on a minor league deal. This spring, Laweryson was impressive, allowing only six hits and one run across 7⅔ innings, striking out seven and walking just one.
Zak Kent, on the other hand, was a fresh face for the Twins, claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals in late February. Despite joining the camp mid-way, Kent showcased his potential by giving up just three hits and three earned runs over 7⅔ innings, with eight strikeouts and a single walk.
The Twins also solidified their roster of position players before camp concluded, with Tristan Gray clinching the backup shortstop role. Catcher Alex Jackson remains on the roster for now, but with no minor league options left, his future with the team could involve a trade before Opening Day.
As the dust settles on spring training, the Twins are shaping up for an exciting season. With Laweryson and Kent ready to bolster the bullpen, fans have plenty to look forward to when the first pitch is thrown on Opening Day.