The Minnesota Twins designated struggling right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson for assignment on Saturday, clearing a roster spot for the recall of Triple-A St. Paul pitcher John Klein—a move that underscores the team’s rotation depth crisis just one game into a critical stretch of the AL Central race. Woods Richardson, a 25-year-old with a 7.74 ERA in 12 appearances this season, has been exposed to waivers after failing to find a role in either the rotation or bullpen, while Klein—who posted a 3.65 ERA in four Triple-A starts—will now compete for multi-inning bullpen opportunities. The Twins now sit third in the division at 27-31, with their starting staff’s struggles forcing a reshuffling that could have long-term implications for their playoff hopes.
Why the Twins Dumped Woods Richardson
The decision to designate Woods Richardson wasn’t just about his recent struggles—it was the culmination of a season in which his peripherals have cratered alongside his ERA. Over 47⅓ innings this year, he’s allowed a .339 BABIP (well above his career mark) and a 57.9% strand rate, but his 5.74 SIERA suggests his problems run deeper than bad luck. His splitter, once a weapon, has become his least-effective pitch, and his strikeout rate has plummeted from 19.7% in 2024-25 to a paltry 11.5% in 2026. The Twins removed him from the rotation two weeks ago, but an injury to Kendry Rojas forced his reinsertion as a starter—where he promptly allowed five runs in 2⅔ innings against Chicago. Even in relief, he couldn’t stay out of trouble, allowing a walk and a hit in both appearances.
Woods Richardson’s career trajectory is a study in peaks and valleys. Drafted by the New York Mets in 2018 and later acquired by the Blue Jays in a Marcus Stroman trade, he was part of the July 2021 blockbuster that sent Jose Berrios to Toronto. In Minnesota, he started 50 of 51 games in 2024-25, posting a 4.11 ERA over 245 innings—a far cry from his current woes. But at 25 and arbitration-ineligible, he represents a gamble for any team that claims him off waivers. His track record might attract a look, but his recent struggles suggest he’ll need a complete overhaul to regain effectiveness.
John Klein’s Recall: A Stopgap or a Breakout?
Klein’s return to the majors is a classic minor-league call-up story: a pitcher who struggled in his first stint but showed promise in Triple-A. In his debut on May 2 against Toronto, he pitched a scoreless inning. But since being optioned on May 7, he’s posted a 3.65 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 12.1 innings, striking out 16 while walking just five. His 16:5 K:BB ratio is a major upgrade from his first MLB appearance, where he allowed two earned runs in 2.1 innings. The Twins are likely viewing him as a long-relief option or a spot-starter in pinch, given their lack of depth.
Klein’s path to the majors mirrors that of many Twins prospects: a high school standout (Brooklyn Park, Minnesota) drafted in the 30th round by the Twins in 2017, he spent years climbing the ladder before finally getting a shot. His recall now forces Woods Richardson onto waivers, where he could fetch a minor-league deal or be outright released. The Twins, who now have just 38 players on their 40-man roster, are in a tight spot—they need pitching help, but their current options are limited.
The Rotation’s Crisis: What’s Next for Minnesota?
The Twins’ starting staff is a mess. Beyond Woods Richardson, Kendry Rojas was just placed on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation, and their other starters—like Erick Row and Bailey Ober—have been inconsistent. With the team sitting third in the AL Central, the lack of depth in the rotation could be the difference between a playoff push and a free-fall. The Twins’ move to designate Woods Richardson and recall Klein is a band-aid, not a solution. If Klein struggles or Rojas’ injury lingers, Minnesota may need to turn to their farm system or the waiver wire for more help.
One wild card is whether Woods Richardson can find a new home. His 4.76 career ERA for the Twins and his past success as a starter (50 starts in 2024-25) might make him an intriguing flier for a team in need of a low-cost arm. But his current struggles—and the fact that he’s arbitration-ineligible—mean any team taking a chance on him is doing so with eyes wide open. If he can’t find a spot, he could be headed back to Triple-A or even released entirely.
Historical Context: The Twins’ Rotation Woes Aren’t New
This isn’t the first time the Twins have been forced to scramble for pitching depth. In 2024, they dealt Nick Castellanos for Jake Bauers and Alex Kirilloff in an attempt to bolster their rotation, but the results were mixed. Now, with the team in a tight division race, the lack of a clear No. 3 or No. 4 starter could be costly. The Twins’ frontline—Bailey Ober, Erick Row, and Jake Cave—has been solid, but the bullpen and the back of the rotation have been a liability. If Klein doesn’t pan out, Minnesota may need to look to their farm system or the waiver wire for another solution.
The bigger question is whether this move is a sign of things to come. The Twins have been aggressive in trading for pitching help in the past, but with their current roster construction, they may be forced to make another move before the deadline. If Woods Richardson doesn’t find a new home quickly, the Twins could be looking at another trade—or another call-up from Triple-A—to shore up their staff.
What Happens Next?
The next 30 days will be critical for the Twins. If Klein succeeds in his new role, it could buy them some time. But if he struggles—or if Rojas’ injury extends beyond the 15-day IL—they may need to make another move. The waiver wire could be a source of help, but with so many teams in need of pitching, finding a reliable arm may be difficult. The Twins’ farm system is deep, but their prospects are still developing, meaning any call-ups would likely be low-risk, low-reward options.
One thing is certain: the Twins’ rotation crisis isn’t going away anytime soon. With the AL Central race heating up, every decision—from call-ups to trades—will have major implications. Woods Richardson’s future is uncertain, but for now, he’s just another casualty in Minnesota’s ongoing struggle to find pitching help.
The Twins’ next move could set the tone for the rest of the season—and for their playoff hopes.
