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Several Twins rotation candidates look to improve in 2017
- Updated: January 6, 2017
MINNEAPOLIS — Other than veteran right-hander Ervin Santana, the Twins’ rotation struggled in 2016, combining to post a Major League-worst 5.39 ERA.
The Twins used 11 starters, and only Santana had an ERA of less than 5.00. And no starter reached 10 wins. Improving the pitching staff has been a priority this offseason, but outside of adding defensively-minded catcher Jason Castro and selecting Justin Haley in the Rule 5 Draft, Minnesota hasn’t done much to add to its existing rotation.
The Twins have several internal rotation candidates, though. Here’s a look at the starting pitchers, outside of Santana, currently on Minnesota’s 40-man roster:
RHP Kyle Gibson It’s telling that Gibson was the Twins’ second-best starter despite posting a 5.07 ERA in 25 starts. The sinkerballer couldn’t build on his strong 2015 season, during which he had a 3.84 ERA, and dealt with back issues that limited his effectiveness. This will be a big season for the 29-year-old, who has struggled to put hitters away with his secondary pitches.
RHP Phil Hughes After a down year in 2015, Hughes came into Spring Training in better shape in ’16, but he dealt with thoracic outlet syndrome that led to season-ending surgery in July. Hughes is on track to be healthy for Spring Training, and Minnesota is hopeful he’ll bounce back from the injury.
LHP Hector Santiago …
