Baker and Marquis Scramble Bullpen Competition

The last couple days haven't really sorted anything out. The most important development was that Kyle Waldrop has a sore elbow. It may not be serious, but they are shutting him down and he probably has lost his immediate chance to make the roster.

The other important development was not in the bullpen, but will likely effect decisions there. Both Baker and Marquis now in question for opening day. Baker could start the year on the DL and Marquis on the bereavement list. That would open up two roster spots and Terry Ryan has said they will have 12 pitchers on the roster regardless. One of those could by Liam Hendricks, if they decide they need a starter immediately. But at least one roster spot would go to one of the bullpen candidates.

Maloney was stretched out today and went three innings, giving up a run on 4 hits and a walk. Burton followed him with two innings, giving up one run on a hit and walk. Fien also went two innings, giving up a run on 2 hits, while striking out 3. Burnett went one inning and gave up one unearned run on two hits. This was Burnett's second outing in a row, he gave up a home run and a walk in one inning on Wednesday.

Its possible the bullpen competition is over. If neither Baker nor Marquis are on the opening day roster, there is temporarily room for Gray, Burnett and Fien. But its more likely that Hendricks will take a spot as a starter, so the competition is for one permanent spot and one temporary.

There are a couple other considerations for the temporary spots. Maloney, Gray and Burnett are on the roster. Burton and Fien aren't, but the Twins have room for them. Burnett still has options, I don't believe the others do.

What that means is that Maloney and Gray would need to pass through waivers to be sent to the minors. That is also likely true for Burton and Fien once they are added to the roster. So its unlikely either of those two would win a temporary spot that would expose them to waivers when Baker and Marquis returned. If Burton and Fien make the roster, its likely with the idea they will stay in the majors when Baker and Marquis return. Gray will need to pass through waivers whether now or in the future. And Burnett can be optioned to the minors at any time.

Here is how I think things stand now:

Capps
Perkins
Duensing
Swarzak

Maloney
Burton

Gray
Burnett
Hendricks
Fien

Waldrop