The Minnesota Twins have acquired right-handed reliever Taylor Rashi from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for cash considerations, according to The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecora . Arizona designated Rashi for assignment on Friday. Rashi, 30, has thrown just 20 MLB innings, posting a rough 5.40 ERA while allowing 19 hits and nine walks. However, he has struck out 26 batters during his short big-league career.
The Twins have an open 40-man spot after designating outfielder James Outman for assignment on Saturday. Since Rashi has minor-league options, Minnesota won't need to make any corresponding moves if it assigns him to Triple-A St. Paul.
Minnesota's acquisition of Rashi continues a trend of Minnesota picking up underwhelming bullpen arms. Recent examples include right-handers Justin Lawrence and Luis Garca. While the Twins deserve credit for acquiring Yoendrys Gmez , who has posted a 0.64 ERA in 14 innings with Minnesota, from the Tampa Bay Rays , the team's bullpen construction has mostly been an issue in 2026. Before Monday's slate of games, Minnesota's relievers ranked 25th in ERA (4.87), 28th in strikeout rate (19.5%), 25th in walk rate (11.7%) and 28th in opponent batting average (.252).
Having made his MLB debut as a 29-year-old last year and with a fastball that sits in the low-90s, Rashi is likely not the answer to the Twins' bullpen woes. However, he has been successful in Triple-A, posting a 2.95 ERA with 101 strikeouts across 98 innings. With Triple-A Reno this year, the right-hander has an outstanding 1.03 ERA with a 25.5% strikeout rate in 26 1/3 innings.
Even though the Diamondbacks don't have much bullpen depth and Rashi, who pitched in the Giants organization before joining the Diamondbacks, was in Triple-A, the club removed him from its roster. His low velocity is likely the reason. Rashi relies heavily on his secondary pitches, with a slider, curveball and splitter in his arsenal.
While Rashi will likely report to Triple-A St. Paul for now, the fact that he's on the Twins' 40-man roster suggests he will be on the big-league squad at some point. The Twins haven't been afraid to frequently shuffle their bullpen, having optioned Kody Funderburk and Travis Adams twice apiece already this year. Once Minnesota suffers a bullpen injury or needs a fresh arm, Rashi may be the next man up.
This article was originally published on www.puckettspond.com as Twins continue unexciting trend by trading for reliever from Diamondbacks .
