Simeon

Woods Richardson

This felt like a distinct possibility after Wednesday night’s poor start pushed Woods-Richardson’s ERA over 5.00. There’s just no need to keep him in the MLB rotation with David Festa and Zebby Matthews at Triple-A. There has been no corresponding move announced yet, but it seems highly likely one of those two young arms will be called up to take Woods-Richardson’s spot in the rotation.

All of the runs came in the third inning, when he gave up a grand slam and a solo homer. The Twins don’t ask Woods Richardson to pitch deep into games at all, so he needs to do considerably better than his current 5.02 ERA. Still, the team has gone 5-3 in his outings anyway, even though he’s won just twice. He’ll probably stay in the rotation and face the Guardians next week.

Simeon Woods Richardson and Cade Povich were slated to start for the two teams tonight. They’ll be needed on Wednesday, when Bailey Ober and Dean Kremer were already scheduled to duel.

This makes back-to-back starts where Woods Richardson has left one out away from qualifying for a victory. He allowed five hits with one walk, and he was only able to generate one strikeout with 33-of-61 pitches landing for strikes. Woods Richardson isn’t pitching terribly, but it’s hard to recommend a hurler who is leaving this early on a consistent basis. He gets a rematch with the Twins next week in Baltimore.

Woods Richardson was replaced after the last two of those walks came with two outs in the fifth, and Cole Sands came in and retired José Ramírez to end the inning. Woods Richardson’s six starts have seen him complete 4, 4 1/3, 4 2/3, 5, 5 1/3 and 5 2/3 innings on his way to a 4.03 ERA. The Twins seem content with what they’re getting from him, and it helps some that he’s situated in between Pablo López and Joe Ryan in the rotation, as those two tend to work deeper into ballgames. Woods Richardson will face the Orioles next.

Zach Neto’s third-inning homer was the lone damage. Woods Richardson was used behind an opener last time out, but this was a normal start and maybe his best effort to date this year. He’s 2-2 with a 4.07 ERA against a fairly weak schedule. He’ll likely face Cleveland next.

His normal spot in the rotation will come up on Thursday against the White Sox, and that would keep López on normal rest after starting on Saturday in the minors. He may only throw 80 pitches in that first start back based on his usage in his rehab start, but that should be more than enough pitches to be in your lineup against the White Sox. López’s return could push David Festa from the rotation unless the Twins are ready to cut bait on one of Chris Paddack or Simeon Woods Richardson.

Woods Richardson worked behind Justin Topa as the bulk pitcher, with Topa giving up a run in his lone inning of work. Woods Richardson pitched well over his first couple of innings, but faltered late while giving up two runs in the sixth to turn an excellent outing into a so-so one. The 24-year-old struck out four while throwing 98 pitches — 66 of those for strikes. He’s scheduled to pitch again Friday against the Angels, but it’s possible he will work behind an opener again.

Woods Richardson was scratched from the start Saturday, but he’ll still have a chance to work multiple innings and be the pitcher of record. The Atlanta lineup has scuffled, so those who are hunting wins could do worse than keeping Woods Richardson in their lineup.

No word yet on the reason for the change. It’ll be Justin Topa taking the ball for a bullpen game instead. It’s unclear whether Woods Richardson is dealing with an injury-related issue (or illness). It’s possible he’s fine physically and will make a bulk relief appearance. The 24-year-old righty has compiled a respectable 4.30 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 16/5 K/BB ratio across 14 2/3 innings (three starts) to open the season. There should be an update on his status shortly.