New Twins closer Brandon Kintzler has shown confidence

Paul Molitor sat in his office during the offseason looking at scouting reports on righthander Brandon Kintzler and seeing that his fastball was measured from 91 to 93 miles per hour.

That's not what he's seen from Kintzler at times since he has become the Twins closer.

"The first time he was out it was 95, 96 and I was surprised," Molitor said. "I thought it was adrenaline and a one-time thing. It's been fairly consistent that when he needs to get a little bit more he's got it.

"Not sure where it is coming from, but it is helpful."

Kintzler, who was called up May 7, has averaged 92.3 mph with his fastball throughout his career. This season, it's 92.8, which would be a career high. But, as Molitor has alluded to, Kintzler has had an occasional fastball reach the mid-90s. With his natural sinking action, it's a tough pitch to elevate.

Perhaps that's why Kintzler had posted a 1.80 ERA in 11 games with saves in all four opportunities since taking over on June 8. He needed only six pitches to get through the ninth inning Tuesday night (actually Wednesday morning), getting the call even though the Twins scored four ninth-inning runs to take away his save opportunity.

His appointment came at a time when the Twins weren't sure where to go with their bullpen. Kevin Jepsen, who was designated for assignment Sunday, was struggling in the role. So Molitor announced a partnership between Kintzler and lefthander Fernando Abad. Abad has one save, but Kintzler has been the one getting most of their calls in the ninth inning.

The 31-year-old Kintzler, signed as a nonroster free agent, knows why he has been able to find a little extra for his fastball when he's needed it.

"Before I had elbow surgery in 2011 I was a 94-96 guy," Kintzler said. "Coming back from that, I was getting there, but then I hurt my knee. So I never got a chance to show that I could throw that hard in the big leagues. Right now it's a combination of being locked in mechanically and simplifying everything. And having healthy legs is the main thing."

Eddie Rosario is back. Max Kepler is contributing. Danny Santana is getting playing time. Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton are trying to live up to their top prospect status.

While the Twins' season has been a disaster, there is a lot of development going on. And Molitor sees the coming weeks as an opportunity to watch prospects work on their games.

"There hasn't been a lot of fun, if you look at the results. over the first 80 games or so," he said. "But there's pleasure for me in thinking about some of the guys who are getting an opportunity to play. It's a great opportunity to teach and try to help these guys get stabilized up here.

• Righthander Logan Shore, who starred at Coon Rapids and the University of Florida, was at the park Tuesday to meet with the Athletics and their media. Shore, an A's second-round pick in last month's draft, reached agreement Monday on a $1.5 million bonus.