The Yankees Destroyed Blake Parker so Badly the Twins Sent Him to the Minors
By Michael Luciano
Being a reliever in the MLB is a constant balancing act. One false step or lapse in concentration, and your spot on the roster can go up in flames.
Minnesota Twins reliever Blake Parker found this out the hard way. After getting knocked all around Target Field by the New York Yankees in what ended up a 14-12 win for the Bronx Bombers, Parker was designated for assignment.
Blake Parker has been DFA’d. #MNTwins
— Dan Hayes (@DanHayesMLB) July 24, 2019
Parker came into last night with a 3.25 ERA in 36 games this year, while also piling up 10 saves. After giving up four runs in 0.1 inning, Parker's ERA rose to 4.21.
In a corresponding move, the Twins called up two right-handers in Devin Smeltzer and Carlos Torres, while also sending down Kohl Stewart.
The @Twins have made the following roster moves:
— Dustin Morse (@morsecode) July 24, 2019
Recall RHP Devin Smeltzer
Select RHP Carlos Torres
Option RHP Kohl Stewart
Designate RHP Blake Parker #MNTwins
This seems a bit reactionary, as Parker was one of the Twins best relievers this season before melting down against the Yankees.
If Parker refuses an assignment to Triple-A, he will be out of a job for approximately two seconds, as there are a plethora of teams seeking bullpen help. His nasty splitter will land him another gig sooner rather than later.