When you’re talking Twins, what a difference a two months makes.
It wasn’t that long ago when fans were focused on good things ahead as the Twins broke spring training with, what appeared to be, solid pitching and a young team ready to improve on 2015’s turnaround season. That has all changed– most visibly with Twins pitching.
The season started with a five-man staff of:
- Ervin Santana
- Ricky Nolasco
- Phil Hughes
- Kyle Gibson
- Tommy Milone
The rotation looks nothing like that now, and it might get cloudier with news that Phil Hughes isn’t feeling well.
Hughes was solid through six innings Tuesday night in Detroit before giving way to shoulder fatigue. If Hughes hits the DL or misses a start, Ricky Nolasco will be the only member of the original starting rotation who hasn’t wound up on the DL or demoted.
In all, the Twins have already used eight starters and left-hander Pat Dean will make it nine when he starts Saturday against the Blue Jays. Only Cincinnati and San Diego have used more (nine each), and both are in last place in their divisions.
Starters used by the Twins and number of starts they’ve made:
- Phil Hughes – 8
- Ricky Nolasco – 7
- Ervin Santana – 6
- Tyler Duffey – 4
- Tommy Milone – 4
- Kyle Gibson – 4
- Jose Berrios – 4
- Alex Meyer – 1
Tough times for Twins arms.
