Connor Prielipp’s Rotation Spot Is Becoming a Problem for the Twins

With Minnesota fighting for its postseason life, Prielipp’s recent struggles could force the Twins to consider a change.

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Connor Prielipp (61) during the first inning. Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

For the Twins, every game matters from here to the end of the season. Nothing can be taken for granted. After the 6-2 loss to the Padres in the series opener, it might be time for the Twins to consider optioning Connor Prielipp to the minors for the moment.

Benefits to optioning Prielipp

Minnesota Twins pitcher Connor Prielipp (61) throws a pitch. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Over his last seven outings, Prielipp has posted a 6.16 ERA. With an ERA that high, it is very hard for the offense to catch up. His last two outings were solid in all but one inning, with Friday night being the latest example of a blowup inning sinking his outing. It’s not sustainable for the Twins to continue to carry that vulnerability in their rotation outing after outing.

The Twins need to manage their pitching innings carefully for the remainder of the season. Prielipp has already reached a career-high workload this year, and the team has skipped his turn in the rotation once. It may be beneficial for the Twins to send him down to the minors and recall him when rosters expand. This would allow them to utilize Prielipp as a multi-inning option out of the bullpen.

Options to replace Prielipp 

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Connor Prielipp (61) walks off the field after being pulled. Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Down on the farm, there are a few options the Twins can turn to if they choose to option Prielipp. The first is Marco Raya, who has already had a stint with the MLB club before being placed on the IL. In six innings of work out of the bullpen, Raya posted a 3.00 ERA. It’s an insanely small sample size, but Raya is stretched out as a starter for the Saint Paul Saints, so he could be placed in the rotation, even as a bulk pitcher as part of a bullpen game, given how well that unit has performed as of late.

Another option for the Twins to use could be Ryan Gallagher. Gallagher was drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 MLB draft by the Cubs. The Twins acquired the right-hander from the Chicago Cubs in the 2025 deadline trade that sent Willi Castro and Sam Armstrong back to Chicago. With the Saints this season, Gallagher has struggled a bit, posting a 6.56 ERA in 81 innings.

The numbers don’t jump off the page, but looking deeper, it was really one blow-up outing that has tanked his numbers, and it just so happens to have been his latest outing, giving up nine runs in 1⅔ innings. Gallagher could be used in a similar role to what Raya was used in earlier this season, which is as a two-inning reliever to help bridge the gap from the starter to the back end of the bullpen.

The Twins have a big decision to make regarding Prielipp’s spot on the roster, but it is important to think about what’s best for the team moving forward, aiming for the postseason, and that might be optioning Prielipp to AAA.