Bullpen Moves Draw Ire From Minnesota Twins Clubhouse

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Josh Staumont
Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Major League Baseball trade deadline came and went for the Minnesota Twins. Rather than make any moves of substance, Derek Falvey added a low-leverage reliever. That move on it’s own was confusing, but the fallout frustrated some in the clubhouse as well.

Josh Staumont had fans in Minnesota Twins clubhouse

Given their positioning within the division and across baseball, it made sense for the Minnesota Twins to be buyers at the trade deadline. Unfortunately, ownership wasn’t willing to spend any money.

Trevor Richards was the lone acquisition, and his addition represents a participation trophy at best. Falvey paired that move with DFA’ing Josh Staumont, which also didn’t sit well with some, according to local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (SKOR North, KSTP).

“To only end up with Trevor Richards, who had an ERA of 16.00 in July. There’s some people upset about the Josh Staumont move. Ok, maybe he wasn’t great his last few outings, but really is Richards that much of an upgrade over Josh Staumont? Probably enough, but I get it if you want to offer some resistance on that.”

Darren Wolfson on reactions to bullpen moves

The Twins signed Staumont to a major league deal this offseason just above the league minimum. He was coming back from Thoracic Outlet Surgery. It took a bit for him to ramp up, and he didn’t make the Opening Day roster. Staumont was DFA’d with a 3.70 ERA and a 3.53 FIP.

Through his first 19 outings, a period of 19 2/3 innings, he didn’t allow an earned run. The largest knock was an 18/14 K/BB, meaning the reliever was constantly dancing around traffic.

Related: Minnesota Twins Players Mostly Admit They Wanted Help at Trade Deadline

Does Trevor Richards do enough for Minnesota Twins bullpen?

Minnesota needed left-handed pitching help in the bullpen. Caleb Thielbar has struggled as has Steven Okert. Kody Funderburk is hurt. Trevor Richards is not left-handed but he has reverse splits and has allowed just a .506 OPS to lefties this season.

Richards has seen his strikeout numbers tumble from a 13.0 K/9 last season to just an 8.4 K/9 this year. Of course the Twins are hoping to turn that tide as well.

Rocco Baldelli didn’t get another starter for his rotation. The bullpen addition wouldn’t be considered a big boost either. As the Twins opted to shuffle some deck chairs in the Staumont move, it remains to be seen if the outcome is a net gain. Minnesota is still looking to chase down the Cleveland Guardians, and they will look to keep the Kansas City Royals at bay in the process.

Related: Breaking: Minnesota Twins Trade for RHP Trevor Richards

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