Minnesota Twins DFA Their Only Trade Deadline Acquisition

The Minnesota Twins have designated right-hander Trevor Richards for assignment, ending his brief tenure with the team just weeks after acquiring him from the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline. 

Richards, brought in to bolster the Twins' bullpen, struggled with command, posting a 4.15 ERA over 13 innings. Despite recording seven scoreless outings in his 10 appearances, his inability to consistently control his pitches, particularly his signature change-up, became a major concern. 

Richards issued 11 walks, hit two batters, and threw seven wild pitches, which ultimately outweighed his potential value to the team.

The #MNTwins have DFA’d RHP Trevor Richards, per a team announcement.

Richards was MIN’s only trade deadline acquisition and he wound up throwing just 13 innings for them with 11 walks, 2 hit batters, and 7 wild pitches during his Twins tenure.

Hell of a deadline, Minnesota!😈 pic.twitter.com/oQj4pbvVpD

— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) August 27, 2024

As their lone trade deadline acquisition, Richards' struggles prove the difficulties the team has faced in improving their roster mid-season. 

His erratic performance, especially in high-leverage situations, made it difficult for the coaching staff to trust him, leading to the conclusion that the risk of keeping him on the roster was too great.

The Twins designated Trevor Richards for assignment

4.15 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 13 K in 13 IP since coming over at the deadline https://t.co/ujJNufjcUI

— Brandon Wile (@Brandon_N_Wile) August 27, 2024

In response to Richards' DFA, the Twins have transferred Joe Ryan to the 60-day injured list due to a shoulder strain, effectively ending his regular season. 

Photo Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports