In a bullpen that’s been mostly dreadful this season, second-year reliever Taylor Rogers has been a bright spot.
In 42 games this season, Rogers has an ERA of 1.93 in 37 innings and opponents are hitting just .232 against him. His 22 holds this season leads the majors too. Since June 1st, Rogers has allowed just two runs over his last 18 appearances.
With All-Star closer Brandon Kintzler holding down the ninth inning, both Kintzler and Rogers have formed a solid 1-2 punch. Kintlzer told Shane Jackson of MLB.com that Rogers can be a little “awkward” because he doesn’t show too much emotion, but when he does, his teammates get fired up.
The 26-year-old made his MLB debut last season with the Twins, appearing in 57 games. Rogers’ strikeout rate has dipped from last year, but clearly that hasn’t mattered as he’s been even more stingy.
Minnesota owns the fifth-worst bullpen in the majors this season with an ERA of 4.69 in 331.2 innings.
With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the Twins would be wise to add a reliever or two to help compliment Rogers and Kintzler.
