Top 5 Minnesota Twins Pitching Prospects

5 of 6

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MAY 28: Devin Smeltzer #31 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch in his major league debut against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning of the interleague game on May 28, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. a(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

We have had a taste of Devin Smeltzer already when he came up to fill in for Michael Pineda during his stint on the injured list. As we discussed in this article, Smeltzer was sent to the Twins in the Brian Dozier trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Smeltzer started in the Double-A with the Twins last season and had a solid showing as a relief pitcher. Going into 2019 Smeltzer requested a chance to prove himself as a starter. The Twins front office obliged and it paid off.

In Smeltzer’s first five starts in Double-A Smelzter was very dominant posting 11.0 SO/W and a WHIP of 0.733, giving up just two runs in 30 innings. He was quickly moved up to Triple-A where he also excelled. When the Pineda injury happened Smelzter was first man up due to his success and also that he was available and could fit right into the rotation.

Smeltzer was impressive in his first appearance with the Twins, not giving up a run in six innings, including seven strikeouts. The second start wasn’t as smooth as Smeltzer struggled with control and left up several balls that as a result left the ballpark. Smeltzer seemed more nervous the second start as well. It’s not clear if he will get another shot in the rotation this year, it all depends on his continued performance and who Pineda’s play and health pan out the rest of the season.

Home/Minnesota Sports