Twins Bullpen Boost: Let Jhoan Duran Eat

[Juza]

I love this idea. Duran is likely to throw less than 100 innings this year anyway as the Twins want him to have a healthy season. At AAA this would include 3-4 inning starts with skipped starts throughout to limit the innings and give his arm rest time. Why not use those innings at the MLB level? 2 inning stints every 3 days or so would be at 100 innings but he would be getting his feet wet at the MLB level and if this works prior to the All Star Break and the Twins are in contention then change the plan and pitch him like a traditional reliever. Best case scenario he throws 100 MLB innings this year with moderate success and goes into next offseason healthy and building up for a rotation spot. 

[a-wan]

Limiting Duran's innings is great, but the wear and tear on a reliever is different than a starter. Getting up more quickly, less innings per outing, but more outings per week with the more frequent use. This isn't necessarily easier on an arm than a starter's work load.