\n\tDuring the offseason, there was constant discussion about the Twins having too much starting pitching depth. Minnesota looked like a team with eight legitimate rotation options before even mentioning some of the team’s top starters in the upper minors, who were viewed more as a long-term development projects than an immediate contributors.\n<\/p>\n
\n\tAt the time, it felt reasonable to wonder whether the Twins should trade from that depth. Injuries happen, but few teams carry that many realistic starting options into a season. A few months later, that conversation feels almost impossible to believe.\n<\/p>\n
\n\tWhat once looked like one of the deepest pitching staffs in baseball has quickly unraveled. One starter is out for the season following Tommy John<\/a> surgery. Another recently landed on the injured list after pitching like the staff ace. Multiple depth options have battled significant arm injuries, while another has struggled badly enough that a move to the bullpen may be necessary. Suddenly, the Twins are no longer talking about a pitching surplus. They are simply trying to piece together enough healthy innings to survive.\n<\/p>\n \n\tLooking back at the preseason expectations compared to the current reality shows just how quickly pitching depth can disappear.\n<\/p>\n \n\tPablo Lopez<\/a> \n\tJoe Ryan<\/a> \n\tBailey Ober<\/a> \n\tTaj Bradley<\/a> \n\tSimeon Woods Richardson<\/a> \n\tMick Abel<\/a> \n\tDavid Festa<\/a>
Preseason Expectation: Ace of the staff. Helping the Twins stay on the fringes of contention.
Current Reality: Lopez is out for the season following Tommy John surgery. Losing the team\u2019s most dependable starter completely changed the outlook of the rotation and forced everyone else into bigger roles.\n<\/p>\n
Preseason Expectation: Build off his first All-Star season and continue establishing himself as one of the American League\u2019s best pitchers.
Current Reality: Ryan briefly terrified the organization after leaving last Sunday\u2019s start following just nine pitches because of elbow soreness. Fortunately, he returned for last night’s outing without needing an injured list stint. At this point, simply having Ryan healthy feels critical to keeping the rotation together.\n<\/p>\n
Preseason Expectation: There was optimism that a healthy offseason could help Ober regain some of the velocity he lost last year.
Current Reality: The velocity still has not returned, with his fastball averaging just 88.6 mph. However, Ober has adapted<\/a> by leaning more heavily on his changeup and sequencing effectively enough to remain productive.\n<\/p>\n
Preseason Expectation: The Twins spent the offseason trying to determine which version of Bradley they acquired from Tampa Bay at last year\u2019s trade deadline. His inconsistency with the Rays made it difficult to project his role.
Current Reality: Bradley looked like the team\u2019s ace before landing on the injured list with right pectoral muscle inflammation. With the state of the rotation, the Twins desperately need him back and pitching well as quickly as possible.\n<\/p>\n
Preseason Expectation: Woods Richardson had developed a reputation as one of the organization\u2019s steadier pitching options and looked like a reliable back-end starter.
Current Reality: He has been one of baseball\u2019s least effective starters with a 64 ERA+ while allowing an MLB-leading 30 earned runs. Since he is out of minor league options, if the Twins want to reset him, it would need to be in the bullpen.\n<\/p>\n
Preseason Expectation: One of the key pieces acquired at last year\u2019s trade deadline, Abel entered the spring with expectations that he could eventually force his way into the major league rotation.
Current Reality: Abel impressed early before right elbow inflammation landed him on the injured list. A setback later required a cortisone shot, adding even more uncertainty to his timeline.\n<\/p>\n
Preseason Expectation: Festa was expected to fight for a rotation spot this spring. Even if he began the season at Triple-A, he remained one of the first starters called upon when the Twins needed reinforcements.
Current Reality: Festa has spent the entire season on the injured list due to a shoulder injury that has resulted in multiple setbacks. At this point, if he returns this year, it may only be as a reliever.\n<\/p>\n