Story by
Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
Final two members of Twins’ bullpen took unique paths to get there
- Story byPioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
- Final two members of Twins’ bullpen took unique paths to get there
BALTIMORE — As the Twins were playing out the final innings of their spring training schedule on Tuesday, manager Derek Shelton was inside the clubhouse, completing the final orders of roster business.
Cody Laweryson, who had thrown a scoreless fourth inning, had finished his arm care routine and was awaiting news on his fate. He was going north either way, either to start his season in Minneapolis or St. Paul.
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"I was kind of anxious, more so, not necessarily nervous," Laweryson said.
When he finally spoke with Shelton, he got the good news. After unique offseasons, both Laweryson and Zak Kent — the two final additions to the Opening Day roster — found out they had made the roster on the final day of spring training.
Laweryson, drafted by Minnesota in the 14th round in 2019, finally debuted last September, appearing in five games. But after the season ended, he was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Angels . He was a member of the organization until early February when he was designated for assignment and then released.
Ultimately, just days after spring training had begun, he decided to return to the Twins, citing his comfort with the organization as the reason why.
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"It takes me a while to adjust to new situations and stuff, so when they called and wanted me to come back here, I was all for it," Laweryson said.
For Kent, the path was even crazier.
After making 12 appearances out of the Cleveland Guardians ' bullpen and wrapping up his long-awaited rookie season, Kent had an offseason that would make anyone's head spin.
First he was a St. Louis Cardinal, claimed off waivers from Cleveland for the first time in December. About a month later, he was designated for assignment, and claimed by the Texas Rangers , the team that had drafted him. A little over a month later, as spring training was beginning, the Rangers designated him for assignment.
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The Cardinals picked him back up again but less than a week later, another DFA. Finally, on Feb. 26, the Twins claimed him and Kent spent the rest of the spring trying to make a roster, something he was told had happened on the Twins' final day in Fort Myers, Fla.
"It was just a relief," Kent said. "I had a very long transactional offseason. Being able to finally put that at rest, I knew if I played, everything would fall in order. I just needed to get out there and play some games."
With the way the bullpen was set up, Shelton said both Laweryson and Kent provide the Twins with a unique look, leading to their inclusion on the roster.
"When you're building a bullpen, you want to have as many different looks as possible and I think in filling out the back half of that, that kind of came into part of the decision that we made," Shelton said.
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Over in St. Paul
As the season kicks off, Shelton has already used the word "meritocracy," multiple times in regards to playing time. And though they won't start the season with the Twins, there are plenty of top prospects starting the season with the St. Paul Saints that could merit playing time as the season goes on.
A number of the Twins' most-exciting prospects are just one step below the major league level, beginning with outfielder Walker Jenkins, one of the most promising prospects across the league.
Six of the Twins' top 10 prospects per MLB Pipeline will start their season in St. Paul, including outfielders Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez and Gabriel Gonzalez, along with shortstop Kaelen Culpepper and pitchers Connor Prielipp and Kendry Rojas . Rojas, acquired in the Louie Varland trade last July, will begin the season on the injured list as he deals with a right hamstring strain.
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The Saints begin their season on the road on Friday in Indianapolis. Their home opener will be held on March 31.
Briefly
Eight Twins players made their first Opening Day roster: Kent, Laweryson, Brooks Lee , Luke Keaschall , Austin Martin , Tristan Gray , Eric Orze and Mick Abel . … New Twins executive chair Tom Pohlad and family were on hand for the opener in Baltimore. … The Twins will have Friday off before resuming play on Saturday. Taj Bradley will get the ball for that game.
