Alex Meyer is still considered one of the Twins’ best pitching prospects, but the 25-year-old right-hander will not be part of the team’s starting rotation. Meyer, competing for the fifth spot in the rotation with the likes of Mike Pelfrey and Tommy Milone, was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Friday, the Pioneer Press reports.
Hardball Talk says that Meyer, who pitched all of last season in Triple-A, has struggled with his control during spring training.
“He’s behind quite a few guys. We want to make sure we get him consistent work,” general manager Terry Ryan said Friday, according to the Star Tribune. “Hopefully he can get it settled down. It’s obvious he can strike people out. Now it’s a matter of not getting in so much trouble.”
Meyer led the International League in strikeouts last season (153 strikeouts in 130 innings), but also walked 64 batters (second most in the league).
Meyer was clearly dejected in a video interview with the Pioneer Press.
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Pelfrey and Milone are now in what seems to be a two-man race for the final spot in the starting rotation.
