There's an interesting name on the travel roster today as the Twins face the Phillies in Clearwater.
Nick Burdi, the Twins' second round pick in 2014, is on the list. Burdi is a fire-throwing righthander who can touch 100 mph with his fastball but pitched in only three games last season because of a bone bruise in his elbow. He's back this year and could pitch his way to Target Field.
Maybe he will be motivated by his younger brother, Zack. Zack Burdi is pitching well for the White Sox and could get into the bullpen mix there.
While the Twins figure out their major league bullpen, they wait for Burdi and other hard throwing relievers to get in gear. Burdi, Jake Reed, Tyler Jay, Randy Rosario and Mason Melotakis either throw hard, have nasty stuff or both. But injuries and struggles have slowed their development and advancement up the ladder.
This is a big year for all of them, as the Twins need big arms in their bullpen like they need air to breathe.
Just because he's on the list doesn't mean he will pitch today. Teams usually travel with more pitchers than innings to pitch in.
After Nick Tepesch starts, Buddy Boshers, Justin Haley, Ryan Pressly, Henry Centeno (Juan's brother????), John Curtiss, and Confesor Lara are on the list with Burdi.
Tepesch is making his first start this spring. He's got a shot at a long relief role if he can finish strong. He's a former draft pick of the Rangers and a former teammate of Kyle Gibson at Missouri. His career hit a rough patch in 2015 when he had elbow problems and then needed surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
