Simply hours after Randy Dobnak delivered his greatest big-league efficiency in years, the Minnesota Twins are parting methods—not less than for now. In response to Robert Murray of FanSided, the Twins are designating the veteran right-hander for task following Sunday’s 9-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.
The transfer is considerably shocking on the floor. Dobnak tossed 5 1/3 innings in aid, permitting only one run after starter Bailey Ober was tagged for eight earned runs in lower than three frames. However roster administration may be ruthless, and with Minnesota needing a contemporary arm within the bullpen, Dobnak turned the odd man out.
“That is the enterprise aspect of baseball,” one AL govt stated anonymously. “You may pitch nicely and nonetheless get moved—it’s about flexibility, not all the time efficiency.”
Dobnak, 30, is within the ultimate assured season of a five-year, $9.25 million extension signed in March 2021. Since that deal, he is solely appeared in 20 MLB video games on account of accidents and inconsistent efficiency. He missed the whole 2022 and 2023 seasons on the main league stage, spending most of that point both rehabbing or in Triple-A.
Twins make roster strikes early into the 2025 season
His contractual state of affairs provides layers to the choice. As a result of Dobnak has already been outrighted as soon as, he has the suitable to reject one other outright task and elect free company—however doing so would imply forfeiting the remaining cash owed to him: a $3 million wage in 2025 and a $1 million buyout on a $6 million membership possibility for 2026.
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On condition that, Dobnak is predicted to just accept a probable outright task if he clears waivers. It’s unlikely one other membership will declare him given the monetary dedication connected. For the Twins, this setup gives a little bit of maneuverability, basically permitting them to cycle Dobnak on and off the roster after they want bulk innings or a spot starter.
Regardless of a rocky few years, Dobnak confirmed indicators of enchancment final season at Triple-A St. Paul, the place he logged 133 1/3 innings with a 4.25 ERA and a powerful 57% groundball price. Although his strikeout numbers stay modest, his capability to maintain the ball on the bottom may preserve him within the combine as a depth possibility going ahead.
Sunday’s outing was a reminder that he nonetheless has worth. Whereas Ober struggled with diminished power following a latest sickness, Dobnak entered in lengthy aid and stabilized the sport, saving Minnesota’s bullpen from being overworked early within the season.
For Dobnak, this marks yet one more twist in what has been an unpredictable journey. From undrafted free agent to playoff starter in 2019, to injury-plagued struggles, to a quick redemption story on Sunday—his story is way from over.
And for the Twins, Dobnak may not be gone lengthy. If he clears waivers, he’ll return to Triple-A St. Paul with $4 million in assured cash nonetheless on the desk and the opportunity of one other call-up ready within the wings.