The Minnesota Twins are searching for answers after dropping their fourth straight game this past weekend that included a sweep at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds. The current stretch that has exposed both their rotation depth and their overall inconsistency to open the season as they have been hot and cold throughout each week in April.
Minnesota’s pitching plans were disrupted earlier in the week when right-hander Mick Abel was placed on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his right elbow, leaving the club with a hole to fill as it begins a demanding stretch of 13 games in 13 days. Abel had been one of the team's best arms to open up the season looking like he was beginning to reach his potential.
With the team needing fresh pitching and a spot opening on the staff, the Twins made a move to reinforce the roster. The Twins announced that left-hander Kendry Rojas had been recalled from Triple-A St. Paul to the active roster.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/PnwNm9ENg5
Rojas’ promotion comes at a time when Minnesota is juggling multiple moving pieces. Kody Funderburk was placed on the paternity list, creating an immediate bullpen vacancy, while top prospect Connor Prielipp traveled with the team as part of the taxi squad but was not formally added to the roster. For now, the Twins appear committed to giving Rojas the first opportunity, and his MLB debut could come soon this week.
The 23-year-old left-hander has shown flashes of promise since being acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays at last year’s trade deadline. Rojas missed time earlier this season with a hamstring injury but has yet to allow a run in 7 1/3 innings in the minor leagues. He has recorded seven strikeouts in that span. Rojas has struggled with command at times yet he still has the ability to be an impactful arm at the big-league level, especially if he limits how many walks he surrenders.
During the team’s current series against the New York Mets in Queens, the Twins could turn to either Rojas or Prielipp depending on how the bullpen is used in New York. But for now, Rojas is the one getting the call, and Minnesota is hoping the young southpaw can provide stability at a moment when the pitching staff needs it most.
The Twins have surpassed expectations in April and younger pieces have continued to adjust well in MLB.