Minnesota Twins fans may have had their TC hats pulled over their eyes in the final innings of a 13-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night, but Jordan Luplow provided some comic relief as he attempted to channel All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel in a rare pitching appearance.
A first baseman and outfielder by trade, the Twins called on Luplow to make his second career pitching appearance in the bottom of the eighth inning. The outing had a bit of irony as it was his first since throwing an inning against the Twins as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays on Aug. 14, 2021.
In another coincidence, Luplow was throwing to Ryan Jeffers, who smashed a solo home run off Luplow in his only pitching appearance prior to Friday night.
Things went smoothly early as Luplow got the first two outs but after hitting Edmundo Sosa with an eephus pitch Luplow decided to channel Kimbrel, who ranks eighth in MLB history with 413 career saves, by bending over and tilting his arm in an awkward angle before facing Johan Rojas.
The decision worked early in the at-bat as Luplow delivered a 50 mph eephus pitch for a ball and a 69 mph fastball for a strike.
Jordan Luplow's Kimbrel Imitation AND 69mph Pitch.
The Nicest Pitch of the Night. 😂👍 pic.twitter.com/ncHhPh7eQM
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 12, 2023
Rojas wasn’t intimidated, however, as he sent Luplow’s third pitch – a 47 mph eephus – into the left field stands for his first career home run.
Jordan Luplow probably thought pitching like Craig Kimbrel might work.
Spoiler: It didn't. 😂 pic.twitter.com/Z0xff9SmmP
— MLB (@MLB) August 12, 2023
Despite the tough outing, Luplow has been a solid pickup for the Twins at the plate, going 5-for-10 (.500) with a double, an RBI and a stolen base since being claimed of waivers from Toronto on Aug. 4.
Still, Luplow was acquired because the Twins stood pat at the trade deadline and his appearance on the mound might suggest that adding another arm in the bullpen would have been a good idea as they head down the stretch.
