A hard-throwing prospect is about to get his chance with the Twins
John Curtiss, 24, was called up by the Twins on Wednesday, and he’s has been absolutely nasty in the minors this season.
Who is this guy?
Between Double-A and Triple-A, Curtiss has allowed just seven runs in 49 innings this season while piling up 68 strikeouts.
He also was a closer for both teams, picking up 19 saves between Chattanooga and Rochester. Opponents are hitting a measly .135 against him.
Why should we be excited?
His fastball sits in the high-90s, according to Aaron Gleeeman of Baseball Prospectus. That kind of velocity is much needed in a bullpen that’s starved for strikeouts.
Other than Ryan Pressly, who’s been awesome over the last two months, Minnesota could use more electric relievers.
Although the bullpen has been effective since trading Brandon Kintzler, the unit has struck out just 366 batters in 436 innings. Only the Rays and Tigers have struck out fewer batters in the American League.
The only knock on Curtiss is that he’s had some trouble throwing strikes. He’s averaged four walks per nine innings this season, which is a tad high.
If he’s able to limit the free passes at the Major League level, Curtiss will be a useful arm down the stretch.
