Twins have decision to make after Bradley's imminent return to rotation
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MINNEAPOLIS – More change is coming to the Twins’ seemingly constantly evolving starting rotation.
After rolling out the same five starters over the season’s first 23 games, the past four weeks have seen extensive turnover among Minnesota’s starters. First, Mick Abel hit the injured list, then Taj Bradley. Now Bradley is nearing a return, and Simeon Woods Richardson’s rotation spot is questionable, while Zebby Matthews gets another look.
Bradley, recovering from right pec muscle inflammation, makes a rehabilitation start at Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday afternoon. The club declined to say whether it might be a one-and-done for Bradley, but given that he’s been out for less than two weeks, it seems reasonable to think he might not need too many starts to get back into fighting shape.
Woods Richardson, meanwhile, is not scheduled to start Monday, when his turn in the rotation next falls. The Twins have “TBA” listed as their probable starter against Houston. The right-hander is in a deep slump, and the Twins have used an opener for him before.
Complicating Woods Richardson’s situation is Matthews, who turned in one of the best starts of his career on Thursday. Officially, he was called up from Triple-A for that start to buy some extra rest for rookie Connor Prielipp. However, he’s getting another start Tuesday against the Astros, and with Bradley returning, it appears the team will have a decision to make soon.
Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, and, once he returns, Bradley, are set, leaving two spots. Prielipp and Matthews have outperformed Woods Richardson since their additions to the roster. Woods Richardson does not have Minor League options left, so he can’t be sent down without exposing him to waivers, so a move to the bullpen is more likely than an attempt to send him to the Minors.
With Bradley pitching Sunday at St. Paul, and an off-day coming up Thursday before the Twins start a three-city trip, that decision can still be put off for a few more days, but it’s getting closer.