Brian

Duensing

Duensing was designated for assignment earlier this week and passed through waivers unclaimed. He’ll work as organizational relief depth for the Cubs in 2019.

Duensing had a horrendous 2018 and was awful this spring and has lost his spot on the 40-man roster. He will clear waivers and figures to remain in the organization, as refusing an outright assignment would mean forfeiting his $3.5 million salary.

This was his first start since suffering a right oblique strain on September 3. Duensing fell short of his 10th victory, allowing three hits wile striking out four and walking just one. He’ll finish the season with a 5.29 ERA and 1.54 WHIP over 27 starts and four relief appearances. Right-handed batters have feasted off him this season, so he is likely better off in the bullpen for the long-term.

Duensing has been terrific out of the pen this year, posting a 2.16 ERA and 0.90 WHIP over 15 appearances. He’s better suited for relief given his problems with right-handed batters, but the Twins are desperate for rotation help right now. “He’s really good in the ‘pen,” manager Ron Gardenhire said. “I love him right where he’s at, but if we can’t get to the bullpen, then what good does it do out there?” Scott Diamond and P.J. Walters both pitched well in their first starts, but it seems likely that one of them will replaced by Duensing before long.

Blackburn allowed two runs on seven hits over 5 1/3 innings before exiting. Brian Duensing came on in relief and is a candidate to replace him in the rotation if he requires a DL-stint. Anthony Swarzak is also an option to stick around. Stay tuned for an update on his status.

“We’ve got a situation there where we’ve got probably six, seven, eight guys that will be in the area of starting and potential to be starters,” said Ryan. “I wouldn’t eliminate Duensing. I wouldn’t eliminate (Anthony) Swarzak. I wouldn’t eliminate (Matt) Mahoney. I wouldn’t eliminate (Scott) Diamond. . . . We’re going to end up opening that thing up down there. Obviously we’ll have decisions to make. If everyone stays healthy, then we will have good problems.” As of now, the Twins project to have Carl Pavano, Francisco Liriano, Scott Baker, Jason Marquis and Nick Blackburn in their rotation. Brian Duensing would move to the bullpen in this scenario, but considering how much he has struggled against right-handed batters, most believe he’ll help the Twins more as a reliever, anyway.

He struck out one and didn’t walk a batter in the game. He allowed single runs in the first, second and fifth innings, but was able to limit the damage beyond that point. Salvador Perez’ homer in the second inning was the fourth homer he’s allowed in just 45 2/3 innings. He’ll take a 1-4 record and 4.10 ERA into his next outing against the Tigers in Detroit on Wednesday.

Duensing couldn’t get the Twins a sweep in Cleveland while allowing 11 hits today. He figures to make at least one or two more starts before Carl Pavano returns.

The Twins have yet to make an official announcement, but that seems to be the way they are leaning. Duensing has pitched exclusively out of the bullpen this season, posting a 3.12 ERA and 22/9 K/BB ratio over 34 2/3 innings, but he has plenty of starting experience. He hasn’t enjoyed much success against right-hander batters during his career, so we’re not convinced he’ll be successful, but it’s worth a shot. He should be added in AL-only leagues.

Duensing has been solid out of the bullpen this season, but the Twins are giving him another shot in the rotation after shuffling through a number of options. That two of the Reds’ best hitters (Joey Votto and Jay Bruce) are both left-handed is also a factor. The 29-year-old southpaw has a 4.15 ERA over 50 starts in the big leagues. He’ll likely have a pitch-count in his first start, so he doesn’t come recommended on Saturday, but he could have some value in AL-only leagues if he sticks.