Did pitching in the World Baseball Classic hurt Jose Berrios’ chances of making the Twins starting rotation?
Quite possibly. Berrios pitched for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, but only pitched in two games and posted an 8.10 ERA during that span.
Twins blogger for MLB.com Rhett Bollinger notes that Berrios’ 6.2 innings during that two-week span might make it hard for him to get stretched out in time to be ready to make the Twins rotation to open the season.
When he can command this stuff… RT @cjzer0 Straight filth from JosĂ© BerrĂos pic.twitter.com/fxH2Ryda8U
— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) March 23, 2017
“We have to figure out what we’re going to do with Jose,” Twins manager Paul Molitor told reporters Thursday. “We’ll have to evaluate these guys and see where they’re at. It’s going to be tough.”
According to the Star Tribune, the Twins will likely be careful with him to make sure he’s ready to go.
There’s been intense competition for the final spot in the Twins rotation and while Berrios has been sitting, Tyler Duffey and prospect Adalberto Mejia have been outstanding. Those three are thought to be competing for the final spot behind Ervin Santana, Kyle Gibson, Phil Hughes and Hector Santiago.
After throwing 40 pitches on Wednesday, Berrios isn’t likely to pitch again until Monday.
