The Minnesota Twins face a pitching predicament just days before Opening Day, as Anthony DeSclafani is likely out for the season. This development has forced the team to find a replacement for the fifth starter position, which DeSclafani was expected to fill following his acquisition as part of the Jorge Polanco trade. Despite DeSclafani’s potential, his injury history was a concern, and the Twins are now looking at internal options.
One such option was Michael Lorenzen, a former All-Star who was available at an affordable price. However, the Texas Rangers signed him to a deal that was similar to what DeSclafani was earning, leaving the Twins empty-handed. The Rangers’ move is particularly frustrating for Twins fans, as Texas had indicated a tight budget after their World Series win.
With Lorenzen off the table, the Twins appear set to rely on Louie Varland as the fifth starter. Varland has shown promise in spring training, despite a recent rough outing. This decision reflects the Twins’ tendency to choose low-cost internal options, a strategy that has yielded mixed results in the past.
While losing DeSclafani and missing out on Lorenzen is disappointing, the Twins seem determined to stick to their budget-conscious approach. Varland now has the opportunity to prove himself in the rotation, and the Twins will hope that he can help stabilize their pitching staff.
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