Returning pair of pitchers could boost bullpen

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The struggles by Jorge Alcala and Louie Varland in consecutive games against the Reds on Friday and Saturday to let two big innings -- and two games -- get away from the Twins highlighted the other concern that has emerged alongside the pressing offense: How do they piece together their bullpen picture?

The hope had been that Alcala’s first-half emergence and dominance and Varland’s transition to the bullpen would give the Twins the fortifications they needed down the stretch -- but neither part of that has panned out to this point.

The Twins have to get those two right, but there could also be one final, last-gasp round of reinforcements on the way, as Justin Topa and Chris Paddack continue to work to perhaps make themselves available as options down the stretch, at the very least, in one last surge to a roster that has already gained Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa this week.

“It's kind of funny, right?” Topa said. “I was talking to my wife, where it is a weird situation that we're in -- unfortunately, we've had a lot of guys injured this year, but I think we're all getting back at a good time to make a push, especially where we are [in the standings].”

Paddack, who threw his first bullpen as part of his rehab process on Friday, reaffirmed that he is hoping to build back in time to make himself a bullpen option in time for the first series of the postseason, if there is one.

Topa, meanwhile, threw his most encouraging bullpen session of his current progression on Saturday -- a 30-pitch session using all of his pitches at high intensity -- and believes there’s a path to returning during the regular season.

“I think even if it's three or four games, whatever it is, a handful of innings at the end of the year and then build that into a playoff push, see what happens -- I think for me, the silver lining is just to get back into games and finish the year healthy,” Topa said. “Have that platform to go into the offseason and get ready for next year.”

It’s impossible to say if Topa in particular could show enough after missing the entire season to factor into a possible playoff group, but considering the current state of the Minnesota bullpen -- with Ronny Henriquez, Michael Tonkin and Scott Blewett holding consistent roles to mostly pitch in low leverage -- more options could certainly help the Twins’ decision-making.

There’s also some precedent for this, especially with Paddack, who made a similar return from injury last September, when he made three relief appearances ahead of a successful stint in the playoff bullpen. This season is a bit different, as he has indicated that it will be unlikely for him to return in time for the end of the regular season -- though he’ll make a call next homestand.

“At the end of the day, I can say, next homestand, ‘I want to push,’ and be ready to go for Baltimore or something like that, a little redemption from the beginning of the season,” Paddack said. “But if they want me ready for October, I'll nod my head and say, ‘All right, I'll be ready.’”

Topa said his pitches had the characteristics that he wanted as he simulated two innings in the bullpen on Saturday, with the idea that he’ll next progress to facing live hitters if he recovers well, then perhaps a rehab game or two to potentially set himself up for a return thereafter -- if, again, no setback arises.

The Twins had Brock Stewart, too, in a similar spot last season, when Stewart made three appearances late in September and played an important setup role in October. Stewart, of course, had pitched earlier that year, unlike Topa this year -- but given the Twins’ current bullpen situation, options can only help.