Kody Funderburk, a 29‑year‑old left‑handed reliever, has re‑joined the Minnesota Twins after two separate demotions to Triple‑A St. Paul. The moves were driven by a bullpen that lacked depth and consistency early in the season, forcing the club to rely on fresh arms from the minors.
A Mechanical Turnaround
The turning point came when veteran coach LaTroy Hawkins spent extensive time with Funderburk, fine‑tuning his delivery and grip. The adjustments helped the pitcher shed the erratic control that had plagued him earlier, when a 5.65 FIP and a -7.3 strikeout‑to‑walk ratio signaled trouble with command and an overreliance on barreling hitters.
Between June 5 and 21, Funderburk posted a 5.14 ERA over seven innings, showing flashes of improvement but still searching for stability. The work with Hawkins, however, laid the groundwork for a more polished approach that would soon translate into concrete results.
Since June 26, the left‑hander has been nearly untouchable, posting a 2.18 ERA, a 2.36 FIP and a 27.7% strikeout rate. His sinker‑cutter combo, thrown 68% of the time, has limited walks and kept runs off the board, turning him into a high‑leverage option in the late innings.
The Twins’ relief corps received another boost with the transfer of Anthony Banda to the 60‑day injured list due to a left lat strain on July 11, and the subsequent acquisition of A.J. Minter on July 31. These moves, combined with Funderburk’s resurgence, have given Minnesota two trustworthy left‑handed relievers ahead of veteran closer Taylor Rogers.
Funderburk’s improved performance is not just a statistical footnote; it reshapes the team’s late‑inning strategy. With a reliable left‑handed option now available, the Twins can mix and match matchups more flexibly, preserving the health of their veteran relievers and maintaining pressure on opposing offenses.
The ripple effect extends beyond the bullpen. By stabilizing the late‑game scenario, Minnesota can approach the middle innings with greater confidence, knowing that a competent left‑hander is waiting to shut down rallies. This depth could prove decisive as the team pushes for a playoff spot in a competitive division.