The right-hander’s sudden command issues are forcing Minnesota to reconsider his future role.
Yoendrys Gómez has gone from an unexpected answer in the Minnesota Twins' bullpen to a pitcher the team may have to rethink heading into next season.
The latest example came Saturday against the Angels, when Gómez entered the eighth inning with Minnesota holding a three-run lead and couldn't get through the frame. He retired just one of the five batters he faced, allowing two runs before Kody Funderburk came in and induced a double play to end the threat.
For manager Derek Shelton, the problem wasn't difficult to identify.
"It's the inconsistency of the strikes," Shelton said postgame, via Twins TV. "I think that's the biggest thing, and you know, we have the walk there, and we just — we cannot continue to put guys on base."
That has become a much different version of Gómez than the one Minnesota saw for most of the season.
After being acquired from Tampa Bay for cash in early May, Gómez quickly established himself as the Twins' primary closer. He posted a 1.85 ERA across his first 39 innings with Minnesota, striking out 39 hitters and converting 22 of his first 24 save opportunities.
For a team that wasn't expecting much when Gómez arrived, that stretch changed the way Minnesota viewed him.
The problem is that the closer role has started to look considerably less secure over the last few weeks.
Gómez has allowed 12 earned runs over his last eight innings, pushing his ERA from 1.85 to 3.83. He was charged with his first blown save Wednesday against the Yankees, then took another blown save and a loss Thursday against the Angels after returning for a third consecutive day. He had thrown 10 pitches Tuesday and 24 on Wednesday before that Thursday appearance.
Saturday's outing came after a day off, but it still continued a difficult stretch for a reliever who had been one of Minnesota's biggest surprises.
The regression also isn't entirely unexpected. FanSided's analysis pointed to Gómez's 4.50 xFIP, .242 BABIP and 11.8 percent walk rate during his first 39 innings as underlying numbers that suggested his early dominance would be difficult to maintain. What has been harder to anticipate is how sharply the results have changed down the stretch.
That leaves Minnesota with a decision to make beyond the final weeks of this season.
Gómez has shown enough to remain part of the bullpen. His first 39 innings proved that. But the recent struggles have opened the door for Jeff Hoffman, who recorded his first 100-strikeout season on Thursday and a scoreless seventh inning on Saturday. He has posted a 2.12 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP and 26 strikeouts in 17 innings since joining the Twins.
The deadline acquisition's recent run could earn him Minnesota's closer role in 2027.
Whether Minnesota ultimately reaches that conclusion, Gómez's recent stretch has at least made the conversation necessary. The Twins found something they didn't expect when they acquired him in May. Now they have to figure out exactly what they have before deciding how much responsibility he should carry next season.
