What to expect from Minnesota Twins rookie Taylor Rogers

The Minnesota Twins have placed closer Glen Perkins on the disabled list with a shoulder injury. While Kevin Jepsen is the main candidate to pick up saves in Perkins' absence, his spot on the 25-man roster will be taken by left-hander Taylor Rogers, promoted from Triple-A Rochester.

Here's a look at Rogers, beginning with basic background from the 2016 Baseball Prospect Book:

Taylor Rogers, LHP, Minnesota Twins
Bats: L Throws: L HT: 6-3 WT: 180 DOB: December 17, 1990
2013: Grade C; 2014: Grade C; 2015: Grade C

An 11^th round pick in 2012 from the University of Kentucky, Rogers has been a solid inning-eater and could get a major league opportunity soon. An archetypical finesse lefty, he tops out at 94 but is usually in the 88-92 range. Neither his breaking ball nor his change-up are considered excellent, but he mixes his pitches well and throws strikes without fear. He’s hittable and there’s concern that his stuff may be a bit too short for consistent major league success, but with a little luck and a good defense behind him he could surprise. Grade C.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY:

Rogers pitched 7.2 innings in spring training camp, posting a 3.52 ERA with a 5/2 K/BB. He has spent most of his career as a starting pitcher and had a decent 2015 season in Triple-A, posting a 3.98 ERA with a 126/44 K/BB in 174 innings last year. He was used as a reliever in his first outing for Rochester on April 7th and that is his most likely role going forward.

Rogers is a classic finesse southpaw but does a great job shutting down left-handed hitters with his off-speed pitches, holding them to a .177 mark last year in the International League. LOOGY work is his short-term destination, although given his minor league tenure as a starter it is not impossible he could wind up as a fifth man someday.

Here's some video from Milb.com.