Matt

Maloney

Lakewood won the first two games of the best-of-three series to advance to play Augusta, the Giants’ affiliate, in the South Atlantic League championship series. Maloney, 22, finished the year 16-9 with a 2.03 ERA, 120 H and 180/73 K/BB in 168 2/3 IP. The left-hander might have middle-of-the-rotation potential for the Phillies.

Having thrown 9 1/3 scoreless innings and struck out 13 batters, Maloney has made a strong bid for a spot in Minnesota’s bullpen. Keep an eye on him; he’s not nearly this much of a strikeout pitcher, but his major weakness -- a tendency to give up long flies -- won’t hurt him nearly as much in Target Field as it used to in Cincinnati.

Maloney cleared waivers after being designated for assignment earlier this week. He posted a 8.18 ERA in nine appearances with the Twins and will accept a role as organizational depth.

Maloney posted a brutal 8.18 ERA and 1.64 WHIP in 11 innings out of the Twins bullpen. The 28-year-old left-hander seems likely to pass through waivers and accept an organizational depth role at Triple-A Rochester.

Ichiro tripled in a pair of runs off Maloney in the Mariners’ five-run seventh inning. The southpaw had left his last appearance with a minor calf ailment, but it appears that he’s over it.

Maloney should be fine after a day or two of rest. He has an ugly 7.59 ERA in 10 2/3 innings this season.

We haven’t heard confirmation from either organization, but Maloney tweeted: “Thanks for everything reds.....but i am now a Minnesota Twin!!! Looking forward to a great new opportunity!!” The 27-year-old southpaw pitched well in the minors this season, posting a 2.99 ERA in 81 1/3 innings at Triple-A, but has a dubious 5.40 career ERA in 80 major league innings. He has a decent shot to crack Minnesota’s Opening Day roster as a swingman.

This confirms what Maloney tweeted earlier in the day Monday. The 27-year-old left-hander posted a 2.99 ERA in 81 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level this season, but has a 5.40 career ERA in 80 major league innings and isn’t exactly a swing-and-miss type. He’ll try to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster during spring training.

Maloney revealed the news himself on Twitter. “My season is officially over,” he tweeted. “Gotta have tommy john surgery. Gonna be a lengthy recovery, but I’ll be back stronger then ever.” Maloney, who allowed 10 runs over 11 innings earlier this season for the Twins, will be sidelined until around midseason next year.

His season is obviously over, and he’ll struggle to make it back to full health before the All-Star break next year. Maloney made nine appearances (11 innings) with the Twins before being designated for assignment. The 28-year-old right-hander will continue to serve as organizational depth when healthy.