The Twins’ bullpen has struggled this season. In 124 innings, their ERA is 4.72, which ranks 23rd in baseball.
They also lack the ability to strikeout batters as they’ve fanned just 103 batters – the fourth-worst figure this season.
An answer may be waiting in the minor leagues, as flamethrower Nick Burdi is tearing it up for the Chattanooga Lookouts at the Double-A level.
In 14.2 innings pitched this season, Burdi has 19 strikeouts, and next to nobody is reaching base. He’s allowed just six hits this season, and his WHIP is a minuscule 0.68. The former second-round pick in the 2014 MLB Draft also has a fastball that touches the triple digits.
Burdi battled through injuries last season, appearing in just three games. He decided to change his arm slot in hopes of staying healthy, and so far… it’s paying off.
The knock on the right-hander has always been his lack of control. But this season, he’s allowing just two walks per nine innings – which is two-clicks lower than his career rate of 4.4.
It wouldn’t be too surprising to see the Twins promote Burdi to Triple-A before eventually being called up to the big leagues.
But with the way he’s been throwing this season, it’s likely we’ll see Burdi in a Twins uniform at some point.
