The box score shows that Twins right-handed starter Simeon Woods Richardson did not get the decision in Thursday’s win over the Chicago White Sox. But a decision with far more consequences did go his way.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli revealed before the game that the 23-year-old Woods Richardson had earned a spot in the Twins’ starting rotation. He essentially switches spots with Louie Varland, sent down to the Saints earlier this week after struggling as a member of the rotation.
Asked what it felt like to be part of the rotation, Woods Richardson said: “Long time coming. A lot of hard work, a lot of blood, sweat and tears over the years.”
“It’s actually a sense of humbleness, one, thankfulness, gratitude,” he added. “But it’s time to get back to work. We’re still trying to get better, we’re still trying to learn. We’re still trying to ask questions of all these guys and trying to be a better pitcher.”
Woods Richardson came to the Twins from Toronto in 2021 along with Austin Martin in the trade that sent Jose Berrios to the Blue Jays. He currently is ranked the No. 24 prospect in the organization by MLB.com.
Woods Richardson said he was told he was going to pitch on Thursday earlier in the week, but the Twins didn’t announce it until after Wednesday night’s game, with Bailey Ober’s start pushed back a day.
“With Lou’s spot in the rotation opening up, we obviously had a place there,” Baldelli said. “We had an option on when to throw Simeon. It allowed us to push some of our guys back; get Bailey the extra day more than anything else.
“Bailey is doing great, but if we can get him an extra day, I think that makes some sense. Sim was also ready to throw; this was his day to pitch. It all kind of just pointed to today.”
Until now, Woods Richardson had been used as an emergency starter for the Twins, with him returning to the Saints after the game. Baldelli praised the way Woods Richardson handled a difficult situation, showing maturity beyond his age.
“It’s not easy going back and forth, and not really knowing where you’re going to be,” the manager said. “He knows where he stands. He knows as a young player you’re going to have to prove yourself.
“You have to be able to take advantage of the opportunities whenever and wherever they come from. He’s handled everything well.”
Correa getting close
Twins shortstop Carlos Correa, sidelined since April 13 because of a right intercostal strain, has resumed baseball activities and will be with the team on the road trip that begins Friday night in Anaheim, Calif. He could be back in the lineup before the team returns from the six-game trip.
“I don’t want to make any statements because I don’t know what his next four or five days are going to look like,” Baldelli said. “But he’s put himself in a good spot; he’s had no setbacks.
“The injury proved to be what we thought it was — a mild strain. So, he can do a lot. We want to make sure he can do everything pain free. It’s been very positive.”
Farmer’s struggles
Twins infielder Kyle Farmer, whose offensive struggles continue, was not in the lineup on Thursday. The 33-year-old Farmer, a lifetime .250 hitter, is hitting .067 this season and is hitless in his past 14 at-bats.
Baldelli spent some time with Farmer in his office prior to the game.
“Everybody needs to converse, to talk about some things and get your mind off of some things,” Baldelli said. “This might be one of those times for Kyle. He’s going to be fine.”
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