After a prolonged absence, Chris Paddack is poised to rejoin the Twins’ rotation, signaling the end of a challenging journey back to the mound. The Twins had their eye on Paddack since 2017, eventually acquiring him from the San Diego Padres just before the 2022 season began. However, his promising start was abruptly halted by an ulnar collateral ligament injury, leading to Tommy John surgery in May. With a slower recovery process due to it being his second TJ surgery, Paddack spent the majority of last season rehabilitating at the Twins’ facility in Fort Myers.
Despite the setback, Paddack made a late-season comeback, showcasing his talent in two regular season bullpen appearances and a strong showing in the American League Division Series. Now, the focus is on his return to the starting rotation, where his performance will be crucial following the departure of key pitchers in free agency.
Paddack has been experimenting with a new pitch, a “slider/cutter,” which he finds challenging but promising. His primary goal, however, is to maintain his health. To achieve this, he plans to emulate the routine of teammate Pablo López, who did not miss a start last season. While the Twins have not outlined a specific workload for Paddack, he aims to throw between 140-160 innings, a target he has documented in his journal.
Manager Rocco Baldelli expressed confidence in Paddack’s ability to pitch a full season but acknowledged the need to monitor his workload carefully. Paddack is determined to contribute consistently and is prepared to make adjustments to his routine to stay competitive.
As Paddack prepares to return to the starting role, he is also focusing on staying present and utilizing the technology and resources provided by the Twins’ pitching coaches. Despite pitching out of the bullpen at the end of last season, Paddack is set to start the Twins’ first spring game, marking a significant milestone in his journey back to the game he loves.
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