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Twins Call Up Their New Pitcher
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- Twins Call Up Their New Pitcher
Jim Rassol-Imagn Images Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
On Saturday night the Minnesota Twins limped to the finish in a 7-1 drubbing at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays . Mick Abel made the start, but he became the fifth pitcher to fail working beyond the fourth inning in just eight games.
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That's not a tenable strategy when trying to manage a bullpen . It gets worse for Derek Shelton when realizing he doesn't have an off day until April 17.
Zak Kent was called on to wear two innings of relief action. He threw 34 pitches and it immediately became clear a fresh arm would be needed. On Sunday morning the Twins turned to their newly acquired reliever Garrett Acton .
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Garrett Acton set for Minnesota Twins debt
Just a matter of days ago the MN Twins sent prospect Logan Whitaker to the Miami Marlins for Garrett Acton. They swung a deal to jump the line and claim him off waivers, while also stockpiling their internal relief depth. Acton reported to Triple-A St. Paul, but had not yet pitched. He's now headed across town.
Twins have recalled Garrett Acton and optioned Zak Kent to Triple A. #MNTwins
— Declan Goff (@DexsTweets) April 5, 2026
The Twins had used a 19th round pick on Whitaker in 2024, and he posted a 2.11 ERA across 38 1/3 innings last year between High-A and Double-A. Minnesota didn't simply want to get rid of him, but saw Acton as a necessary piece to supplement a bullpen that they failed to rebuild.
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Of course that quickly comes to fruition with Acton being promoted to the big leagues right after being acquired. The 27-year-old has pitched in seven major league games between the Athletics and Rays in 2023 and 2025 respectively. That 6 2/3 inning sample size isn't much to draw off of.
Would like to see the #Padres claim RHP Garrett Acton on waivers.
In his return from Tommy John, Acton posted a 30.1% K rate and 11.4% walk rate in the minor leagues.
Has a quick, chippy delivery and elite rise on the FB. Also has two options remaining, worth a flier IMHO pic.twitter.com/h8rqiUqlz5— Diego Garcia (@StatNerd_Base) January 23, 2026
Last season at Triple-A Durham, Acton owned a 3.68 ERA across 58 2/3 innings . He struck out 71 and walked 27. Sitting mid-90's with his fastball , and an ability to put the ball by opposing hitters, it's obvious to see the profile aspects the Minnesota Twins like. He's a fastball and slider pitcher, and can hopefully earn length in Shelton's relief corps.
As is often the case for arms at the bottom of a bullpen, turnover is expected. Minnesota didn't stockpile high-ceiling options, but they have plenty with options remaining . It should be assumed that arms like Acton will be called upon before even a performing Connor Prielipp or Marco Raya . That eventual transition is where the season gets interesting.
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