Connor Prielipp strikes out five in win Tuesday

The runs both scored in the fourth on a Shay Whitcomb popup down the right field line that no one could get to. Prielipp allowed four hits, walked two and struck out three before exiting a tie game. He ends his rookie season 6-7 with a 4.87 ERA and a fine 128/44 K/BB in 125 2/3 innings. He might have a little edge on Zebby Matthews and Mick Abel for a spot in the Twins rotation next spring, but that’s assuming that they leave an opening with Pablo López coming back.

It’s his first scoreless start as a major leaguer, though he did pitch five scoreless innings behind an opener on Sept. 1. Prielipp has allowed five runs in 21 1/3 innings this month, dropping his ERA from 5.55 to 4.94. That’s still not great, but his 125/42 K/BB in 120 1/3 innings is encouraging. He’ll likely face the Rangers next Friday.

Prielipp tossed a scoreless first inning, then gave up a run on three hits in the second. He recovered for two more scoreless innings before the Guardians brought two more runs home in the fifth on a hit batter, a base hit, and a double. Prielipp recorded the first out in the sixth and departed at 77 pitches with just one strikeout. The 25-year-old left-hander will take a 5.24 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and a 117/40 K/BB ratio across 113 1/3 innings into a start against the Angels in Anaheim on Friday.

Prielipp essentially piggybacked with ace Joe Ryan during the latter’s return from the injured list, needing just 68 pitches (45 strikes) to navigate the final four frames. All of the damage against him came courtesy of a two-run blast from Tigers slugger Riley Greene in the fifth inning. He struck out five and didn’t hand out a free pass. He’s likely to take the ball again early next week when Minnesota kicks off a home series against the Yankees.

Ryan, who threw 42 pitches during a minor league rehab start for Triple-A St. Paul earlier this week, is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday. MLB.com’s Matthew Leach notes that Minnesota’s pitchers typically throw a bullpen session two days before their next start and Monday is an off-day in the minors. He’s been out with a glute strain since early August and would likely be on a strict pitch count in his return. There should be a definitive update on Ryan’s next steps at some point this weekend, but it certainly sounds like he could get the ball on Monday at Comerica Park. The club hasn’t announced their rotation plans for the series. Connor Prielipp would be in line to start if Ryan doesn’t come off the shelf.

Prielipp came close against the depleted A’s, but he went without a quality start for a seventh straight outing. His ERA stands at 5.55 through 19 big-league starts, but his rotation spot is probably safe until Joe Ryan gets back. He’s due to face the Tigers next week.

Prielipp did strike out seven in the loss against two walks, and he held the San Diego lineup without runs between the first and fifth frames. That means less when you give up a two-run shot in the first to Ty France, and four more runs crossed the plate in that fifth inning. There was some good stuff from the 25-year-old, but not enough to make it a successful outing. He’ll get a chance to face the A’s next week, but keep in mind that start will take place in Sacramento.

Prielipp gave up eight hits, walked four and struck out six. He fell to 3-6 with the loss. While the Phillies hit Prielipp hard, he helped hold Kyle Schwarber to an 0-for-5 and allowed just a single and a walk to Bryce Harper. The only extra-base hits against Prielipp were two doubles by Alec Bohm and a three-run home run by Bryston Stott. Prielipp has a 5.34 ERA, but his 4.02 xFIP shows he’s been unlucky this year. He’s lined up to face the Padres on the road next weekend.

Prielipp fanned seven, but he gave up a pair of homers, bringing his season total to 11 allowed in 82 2/3 innings. He’s still won just three of his 16 starts while amassing a 4.75 ERA to date. He’ll face the Phillies next.

It seemed worth debating Prielipp versus Zebby Matthews in the Twins rotation following the Dean Kremer acquisition, but that Matthews pitched last night made it easy call to send him down initially. Plus, Prielipp did pitch well in his return from the IL against the A’s on Sunday. He was mediocre in walking four and giving up a Randy Arozarena homer today, but he did give the Twins a chance to win. The no-decision keeps him 3-5 with a 4.75 ERA through 15 starts. He’ll likely face the Brewers on Friday.