The demotion of Aaron Thompson and call-up of Ryan O'Rourke might not be the only bullpen moves the Twins will make in the coming weeks.
The Twins are looking around the league for bullpen help, particularly lefthanded relief, while still giving a shot to O'Rourke, a rookie, and Brian Duensing, who has emerged from a rough stretch of outings.
The Phillies, Brewers and Athletics look to be sellers at the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline. And the market for relief help will become clearer as the deadline nears and more teams decide which approach to take. The Twins, who are in the AL wild-card picture, are looking for help.
The Twins are 37-2 when leading after seven innings and 37-0 when leading after eight. That's a reflection on closer Glen Perkins and key setup man Casey Fien. Blaine Boyer has struggled a bit lately but was dominant early in the season. But the bullpen ERA of 3.83 heading into Tuesday ranked only 21st in the majors. Thompson made 41 appearances before being sent to Class AAA Rochester and Boyer is at 40. That's a lot in 83 games.
Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said there still are options within the organization, but he is not afraid to trade.
"You always look inside and outside, it doesn't matter,'' Ryan said. "You go where you need to go. We've got some people down there we still have faith they can get the job done. If we need to get them, we will. If we don't feel like we have them in-house, then we need to go outside.''
O'Rourke for now
O'Rourke will attack hitters with a variety of pitches from different arm angles. He'll figure out what is working on that day and use it in his one-on-one battles with hitters.
O'Rourke, 27, likes to embrace a bulldog mentality.