Minnesota Twins have found an innovative solution to bolster their bullpen depth following two significant injuries. With the opening of the season looming, the Twins are faced with a roster reshuffle due to recent setbacks.
Last week dealt a harsh blow to Minnesota as they lost Jhoan Duran and Caleb Thielbar, crucial members of their bullpen, leaving a notable void in their pitching rotation. To address this setback, the front office acted swiftly, signing Jesse Chavez, a recently released reliever from the Chicago White Sox, to a major league contract.
The absence of Duran will require Brock Stewart and Griffin Jax to shoulder more responsibility in the bullpen, while Thielbar’s injury necessitates reinforcements for earlier innings. Hence, the acquisition of Chavez aims to plug this gap as the team gears up for Opening Day.
According to reports by Twins Daily’s John Bonnes, Chavez’s signing solidifies his place in the 26-man roster, displacing potential injury replacements like Kody Funderburk. Despite being a 40-year-old journeyman reliever with a long track record, Chavez has demonstrated consistency in recent seasons, boasting a 2.81 ERA over the last three years and a stellar performance with the Braves in the previous season.
Chavez’s role is expected to be that of a middle innings pitcher with the flexibility to provide extended relief if necessary. This could prove crucial in the early stages of the season, especially if his tenure with the team is temporary.
However, uncertainties linger regarding the longevity of Chavez’s stint with the Twins, given his emergency acquisition status. Should he encounter difficulties, questions arise regarding how long the front office will persist with him before exploring alternatives within the minors.
For now, Chavez’s addition appears to be a pragmatic move by the Twins, offering a reliable option to mitigate the immediate effects of injuries to key bullpen arms. While it may not be a game-changing acquisition, it provides much-needed depth to the team’s pitching rotation.
