When the Minnesota Twins acquired Anthony DeSclafani in the Jorge Polanco trade, his health was a key concern. Unfortunately, DeSclafani has encountered a setback, as a forearm issue has hampered his Spring Training and now threatens his entire season. The Twins have placed him on the IL and are awaiting a second opinion, suggesting the situation may be serious.
With DeSclafani’s status uncertain, the Twins must now find a replacement for their fifth starter. While no timeline has been provided for DeSclafani’s return, the need for a temporary replacement is evident. Fortunately, the team has several options to consider.
One strong candidate is Louie Varland, who was already in contention for the fifth starter role. Varland has shown promise in recent seasons, posting a 4.63 ERA in 2023 while working as both a starter and reliever. This spring, he has been particularly impressive, with a 0.640 WHIP and 11 strikeouts over 11 scoreless innings. His performance suggests he has the potential to be a reliable starter on Opening Day.
Varland’s emergence could have long-term implications for DeSclafani’s role on the team. If Varland continues to excel, he could secure the fifth starter spot even after DeSclafani returns. This accelerated timeline would be a positive development for Varland’s future with the Twins.
Overall, while DeSclafani’s injury is a setback, the Twins have viable options to fill the void. Varland, in particular, has shown he is ready to step up and contribute to the team’s rotation.
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