The Twins revealed on Saturday that Anthony DeSclafani will be sidelined for the entire 2024 season, and potentially part of 2025, following flexor tendon surgery, marking yet another setback in his injury-riddled career.
DeSclafani previously missed the 2017 season due to a UCL strain and was limited to fewer than 19 innings in 2022 because of an ankle injury. Additionally, a right flexor strain prematurely ended his 2023 season last July. The Twins were aware of the risks involved when acquiring him, distinguishing this situation from recent trades.
Minnesota traded for DeSclafani as part of a deal with Seattle for Jorge Polanco, along with receiving reliever Justin Topa and prospects Gabriel Gonzalez and Darren Bowen. Seattle contributed $4 million to the $4 million received from the Giants, reducing DeSclafani’s salary from $12 million to $4 million.
While DeSclafani was not the primary focus of the trade, González is considered a borderline top-100 prospect, Topa performed well as a setup man last season, and Bowen is a recent late-round pick. The front office’s decision was driven by these players rather than DeSclafani himself.
Critics have pointed fingers at the front office for acquiring another injured pitcher, but the trade was primarily aimed at bolstering the roster with additional players. The Twins have a history of targeting injured pitchers, but this strategy is not unique to them. Despite some past trade setbacks, there remains optimism regarding the potential outcome of the Polanco trade.
In recent seasons, Derek Falvey has sought to enhance roster depth, such as trading Luis Arráez for Pablo López to bolster starting pitching depth.
The addition of DeSclafani was intended to further strengthen the pitching rotation, with hopes of maintaining overall roster health. However, the team’s pitching depth is already facing challenges, emphasizing the importance of a healthy rotation at the start of the season.
The Twins revealed on Saturday that Anthony DeSclafani will be sidelined for the entire 2024 season, and potentially part of 2025, following flexor tendon surgery, marking yet another setback in his injury-riddled career. DeSclafani previously missed the 2017 season due to a UCL strain and was limited to fewer than 19 innings in 2022 because of an ankle injury. Additionally, a right flexor strain prematurely ended his 2023 season last July. The Twins were aware of the risks involved when acquiring him, distinguishing this situation from recent trades.
Minnesota traded for DeSclafani as part of a deal with Seattle for Jorge Polanco, along with receiving reliever Justin Topa and prospects Gabriel Gonzalez and Darren Bowen. Seattle contributed $4 million to the $4 million received from the Giants, reducing DeSclafani’s salary from $12 million to $4 million.
While DeSclafani was not the primary focus of the trade, González is considered a borderline top-100 prospect, Topa performed well as a setup man last season, and Bowen is a recent late-round pick. The front office’s decision was driven by these players rather than DeSclafani himself.
Critics have pointed fingers at the front office for acquiring another injured pitcher, but the trade was primarily aimed at bolstering the roster with additional players. The Twins have a history of targeting injured pitchers, but this strategy is not unique to them. Despite some past trade setbacks, there remains optimism regarding the potential outcome of the Polanco trade.
In recent seasons, Derek Falvey has sought to enhance roster depth, such as trading Luis Arráez for Pablo López to bolster starting pitching depth.
The addition of DeSclafani was intended to further strengthen the pitching rotation, with hopes of maintaining overall roster health. However, the team’s pitching depth is already facing challenges, emphasizing the importance of a healthy rotation at the start of the season.
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