Veteran right-handed pitcher Tim Stauffer was a long shot to win the job as Minnesota Twins fifth starter heading into camp, but his chances at getting the position have probably disappeared after another rough outing in the team’s 5-3 win over the Blue Jays this afternoon.
Stauffer entered in relief of Kyle Gibson, who allowed one run over three innings, and proceeded to allow two runs and five hits over two and two third innings while also surrendering a walk. His ERA for the spring currently sits at 14.73 and it can be assumed at this point that Minnesota will look else ware for their final rotation spot.
When Stauffer signed a one-year, $2.2 million deal with Minnesota this offseason, most saw it as a move to bolster the bullpen but as Spring Training got closer, some began to throw Stauffer’s name as a potential arm at the end of the rotation.
The 32-year old Maine native had spent his entire nine-year career with San Diego, bouncing between the rotation and bullpen the entire time. He was 6-2 for the Padres last season with a 3.50 ERA in 44 appearances, but only three of them were starts.
With a spot in the bullpen destined for Stauffer, the battle is now down to Tommy Milone, Mike Pelfrey, Alex Meyer and Trevor May.
Milone made a major statement towards winning the job in his first start of the spring last week, when he allowed just one hit over two innings. He is expected to pitch again tomorrow against Tampa Bay.
Pelfrey and Meyer did not allow runs in both of their outings this year but they both allowed their fair share of base runners in the process. May has not pitched in a live game yet this spring due to an illness but he has been up and throwing in the bullpen lately and can be expected in games soon.
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