MLB Rookie Profile: Randy Rosario, LHP, Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins have promoted left-handed pitcher Randy Rosario to the major league roster. Here’s a quick look at his background and what to expect from him.

Rosario is from the Dominican Republic, signed as a free agent by the Twins in 2010. Very effective at the lower levels, he found his career slowed by Tommy John surgery that cost him most of 2014. He returned with effective pitching in the second half of 2015, then put in a solid campaign in 2016 (3.77 in 100 innings, 78/39 K/BB in High-A and Double-A).

Moved to the bullpen for 2017, Rosario has a 1.90 ERA in 23.2 innings for Double-A Chattanooga with a 20/6 K/BB and only 14 hits allowed.

Rosario was rated as a Grade C+ prospect, unranked among the Minnesota Twins Top 20 prospects for 2017 but projecting somewhere in the 21-25 range.

Listed at 6-1, 200, Rosario is a left-handed hitter and thrower born May 18, 1994. As a starter his typical fastball was right at 90 MPH but in the bullpen the heat has kicked up to 94-95 with peaks at 97. His slider is inconsistent but is a plus pitch at its best, and his command of both offerings has improved in the bullpen. He was holding left-handed hitters to a mere .160 average with Chattanooga, and right-handers weren’t much better off a .172.

Rosario has found his niche in the bullpen and could have a long career as a middle man.