Coming off an uneven 2017 season, right-hander Tyler Kinley was considered expendable in the Marlins farm system. By declining to create room for him on the 40-man roster, it made Kinley available to other MLB teams in December’s Rule 5 draft. Sure enough, the Twins selected him, and after an encouraging spring training, they had every intention of keeping the 27-year-old in their major league bullpen.
However, plans can change abruptly, especially in a season where Minnesota is committed to contending. Kinley pitched to a ghastly 24.30 earned run average through four appearances and was returned to the Marlins on Tuesday afternoon.