Twins designate Blake Parker for assignment
The Minnesota Twins have designated right-hander Blake Parker for assignment, the team announced Wednesday.
Parker was the Twins' closer for the first few months of the season and put up tremendous numbers. The 34-year-old entered June with a 1.96 ERA and was eight-for-eight in save opportunities - thanks in large part to a stellar April that saw him register six saves without allowing an earned run.
June was a different story for Parker. He posted a 7.59 ERA while allowing 15 hits in 10 2/3 innings, and eventually lost the ninth-inning job to left-hander Taylor Rogers. The move is nevertheless a surprising one by the Twins.
Blake Parker was the lone reliever signed to a major-league deal by the Twins and was one of their top three relievers in terms of highest-leverage role every month, including #2 behind Taylor Rogers this month.
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) July 24, 2019
First 17 innings — 2 runs allowed
Next 19 innings — 16 runs allowed
Parker has a 4.21 ERA with a 5.35 FIP in 36 1/3 innings this season.
The Twins also optioned right-hander Kohl Stewart to Triple-A Rochester, recalled left-hander Devin Smeltzer, and selected the contract of right-hander Carlos Torres.
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