Twins Get Bullpen Help, Add Jepsen From Rays

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that Minnesota has acquired right-hander Kevin Jepsen from the Tampa Bay Rays. The Twins have been seeking bullpen help and appear to have landed their man. Jepsen has had a nice year in Tampa, putting up a 2.81 ERA while striking out 34 across 41 2/3 innings. Even all-star closer Glen Perkins has struggled since the break, which has exacerbated the team’s bullpen shortcomings.

The teams completed the deal about two hours before the deadline to make trades without waivers. Minor league left-hander Caleb Thielbar was designated for assignment to make room for Jepsen on the 40-man roster.

In his last seven appearances he’s 1-0 and given up two hits and no runs in 6.2 innings pitched. The Twins are hoping Jepsen can get back to throwing dominant outings, as they have been looking for a clear setup man since Blaine Boyer and Aaron Thompson (who was sent down in early July) cooled off after seeing early season success.

“I have memories of him coming up and being a big contributor to some very successful Angels teams”, Twins manager Paul Molitor said.

The Twins are chasing the Royals in the AL Central (they’re eight games back) and trying to fend off the likes of the Toronto Blue Jays for a wild card.

After four straight years of at least 90 losses, there is a sense of urgency for the Twins to return to the playoffs.

Hu, a 21-year-old native of Taiwan, rose quickly through the Twins system.

“You certainly have to put something into the package”, Ryan said. “He’s got good depth and break on his breaking ball”, Ryan said of Jepsen.

Hu (CHEE-WAY HOO), 21, was named to the Florida State League All-Star Game this season, going 5-3 with a 2.44 ERA (84.2-IP, 23-ER) in 15 starts for Class-A Fort Myers. “You aren’t just going to grab guys without giving up people. I think that’s a safe assessment that our system’s pretty healthy and we should be able to afford a couple young pitchers”.