It’s been back-to-back rough starts for a pair of the promising young arms in the Minnesota Twins organization, and the team responded by sending both back to Triple-A Rochester Thursday.
The Twins optioned both Jose Berrios and Tyler Duffey back to the minors.
Jose Berrios and Tyler Duffey to AAA. Andrew Albers up. Other move TBA
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) August 25, 2016
The news was announced following Minnesota’s 8-5 loss to the Tigers on Thursday afternoon – Minnesota’s seventh straight defeat.
Berrios gave up 6 runs (5 earned) in five innings on Thursday. He continued to struggle with his command, walking 5 and striking out just 3.
It followed a rocky performance from Duffey on Wednesday night that saw him give up 6 runs in just 3 innings of work.
“I love getting guys experience, especially when we are where we are [in the standings], but there comes a point where it doesn’t seem like the right thing,” said Twins manager Paul Molitor to the Pioneer Press after the game Thursday.
Berrios is the most talented pitcher Twins have, and the team is just throwing up its hands and saying "we have no idea how to handle him."
— Matthew Pouliot (@matthewpouliot) August 25, 2016
It hasn’t been pretty for either Duffey or Berrios as of late. Over his last seven starts Duffey is 3-4 in his last seven games with a 9.20 ERA.
Berrios hasn’t shown his promise during either of his stints with the Twins this year. In his 9 starts in Minnesota, he’s 2-4 with a 9.24 ERA.
The Twins recalled Andrew Albers from Rochester to fill one of the roster spots, the other move hasn’t been announced yet.
