Twins Go With Nolasco Over Duffey in Starting Rotation

It's been another battle to make the 25-man roster this spring, but the Twins finally made their final wave of cuts - including potential starting pitcher Tyler Duffey.

According to multiple reports, Duffey was optioned to Triple-A Rochester Tuesday in part to make room for Ricky Nolasco in the starting rotation. That leaves the Twins with its starting five, set and ready to go April 4th in Baltimore.

Barring any late injuries or roster moves, Minnesota’s five starters are Ervin Santana, Kyle Gibson, Phil Hughes, Tommy Milone and Nolasco.

The team’s bullpen is also set, with Glen Perkins, Trevor May, Kevin Jepsen, Casey Fien, Ryan Pressly, Michael Tonkin and Fernando Abad.

Nolasco has been mostly ineffective or injured for the first two years of his four-year, $49 million contract. But to be fair, he was better this spring and Duffey was not, which is what was probably behind the reason he was sent down to Triple-A.

I would imagine this is the last straw for Nolasco as he works himself back into the good graces of the Twins organization. If he stumbles out of the gate, or gets injured again, I would imagine Molitor wouldn't have any hesitation to bring up Duffey or phenom J.O. Berrios to replace Nolasco in the rotation.

Time will certainly tell... but one thing is for certain as we flip the calendar to April - Baseball is finally BACK!