Twins Recall Veteran Pitcher From Triple A for Saturday Start

The Minnesota Twins enter Saturday's contest against the Cleveland Guardians only 3.0 games ahead of their divisional rivals in the AL Central race. Unfortunately, the Twins are on a three-game losing streak and could use a boost to thwart their rivals.

Minnesota revealed Saturday morning that veteran left-handed pitcher Devin Smeltzer will be getting the start against the Guardians. The 26-year-old has been recalled from Triple-A St. Paul after looking solid in five starts for the Saints.

Twins recalling Devin Smeltzer for start Saturday https://t.co/dY7BFN8Ll4
— NBC Sports EDGE Baseball (@NBCSEdgeBB) May 14, 2022

Minnesota Twins Roster News

Smeltzer has a 1-2 record in his five Triple-A starts so far in 2022, pitching to a 3.86 ERA and 1.286 WHIP in 21.0 innings pitched. He also has a total of 18 strikeouts and six walks over that stretch.

A fifth-round pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016, Smeltzer has had difficulting remaining in the Majors. He made 18 appearances (seven starts) across 2019 and 2020 with the Twins, but only saw one appearance last year.

Smeltzer played well in his lone 2021 outing, allowing just one run while striking out three batters in 4.2 IP. The Twins will be counting on him on Saturday to pick up right from where he left off.

Unfortunately, he doesn't have the best track record against the Guardians. He's made five appearances (three starts) against them, going 1-2 with a 6.20 ERA in 20.1 IP.

Oddsmakers are projecting it to be a bit of an uphill battle on Saturday for Smeltzer and the Twins. FanDuel Sportsbook has Minnesota as the +108 moneyline underdog at home, while the Guardians are favored to win at -126.

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