Potential September Call Ups: 40 Man Roster

A reminder, the “Odds” that I provide at the end of each player’s section is just my opinion based on several years of watching and following the Twins. One thing I’ve learned from all those years is that you never know. There always seems to be a surprise or two.

Let’s get to the list. Which of these players currently on the 40-man roster do you think will get called up in September?

JOSMIL PINTO – Catcher

Pinto missed a few months after suffering another concussion. He has returned in the last two weeks, but he is only DHing. In fact, Assistant GM Rob Antony told Cory Provus on Inside Twins that he will not catch any more this year. They still intend on him catching moving forward. He is out of options in 2016, and he could provide a solid pinch-hitting option with some power. Odds: 25%

AJ ACHTER – Right-Handed Relief Pitcher

Achter continued his dominance of minor leaguers in 2015. He was one of just a couple of Twins minor league relievers with a WHIP well-under 1.00. Finally in August he got about two weeks with the big league club. He gave up six runs on five hits and two walks over his first two outings (a combined 1.1 innings). After that, he had four more outings and threw six shutout innings, allowing just two base runners. The 27-year-old former 46^th round draft pick should continue to get opportunities. Odds: 95%

LOGAN DARNELL – Left-Handed Pitcher

The 26-year-old southpaw has not appeared in a big league game in 2015 after making seven appearances (four starts) for the Twins in 2014. The decision was made in spring training to have him pitch out of the bullpen. In his first 29 games (44 IP) this season, mostly out of the bullpen, he posted a 4.30 ERA and opponents hit .309 off of him. He was recently moved to the starting rotation. In four starts, he has given up just two runs over 28 innings (0.64 ERA). Opponents have hit just .143 off of him in that time frame. Odds: 48%

ALEX MEYER – Right-Handed Pitcher

After posting a 7.09 ERA through eight starts, Meyer was moved to the bullpen where he was much improved. He even got into two games with the Twins in late June, but they went horribly. After really struggling in July, he has been pretty good. In his last seven outings (16.2 innings), he has given up just two earned runs (1.08 ERA) on 11 hits, seven walks and 14 strikeouts. Meyer might be on enough of a roll that he could help out for a couple of innings here and there in September. Odds: 55%

DANNY SANTANA – Shortstop

Santana hasn’t been great since being sent down to Rochester, but he has been magnificent the last five days… with GM Terry Ryan in attendance. He has multiple hits in each of those five games. He is 12-21 in that stretch and on Saturday hit two home runs. He played center field that night. The team has talked about adding someone with speed who can pinch run. Well, Santana fits in that category and can provide depth at shortstop or in center field down the stretch. Odds: 99%

MICHAEL TONKIN – Right-Handed Relief Pitcher

Double-digit times, Tonkin has been called up to the Twins and sent down to Rochester. He hasn’t been able to take a step in the big leagues, but he’s never really had much of a shot either. In Rochester in July, he went 15 innings without allowing a run. He gave up one run on August 4^th and since then he has gone nearly ten more innings without another run scoring. What more can he do? Odds: 99%

KENNYS VARGAS – First Base/DH

Most games, the Twins have no threat off the bench. Vargas, despite any struggles he has had this year, can certainly provide a power threat. As Nick wrote last week, not only was he not showing power, but he had no control of the strike zone. On Sunday, he went 1-2 with two walks and a home run. That’s the kind of production that should get him recalled soon. In his last 19 games with the Red Wings, he has four doubles and three homers while walking almost as much as he strikes out. He has made some strides. Odds: 99%

OSWALDO ARCIA – Outfielder

Arcia is just 24-years-old and has an OPS+ for his career four-percent above league average. After an injury early this season, he remained in Rochester and has been a miss since. He was hitting just .200/.257/.381 (.638) with 12 doubles and 12 RBI. Those numbers don’t even look terrible compared to what he has done of late. Prior to going 2-4 on Sunday, he had hit .104 (12-115) over his previous 33 games. He is already a statue in the outfield. The team has said that merit will play a large role in their September roster decisions. If that’s the case… Odds: 4%

AARON THOMPSON – Left-Handed Relief Pitcher

Through his first 28 appearances (mid-May), Thompson was solid, posting a 2.11 ERA. However, in his final 24 games with the Twins, his ERA was 10.64. He was mercifully sent down to Rochester. In 12.1 innings over 17 games with Rochester, he has a 4.38 ERA though he has given up runs in just four of those outings. Odds: 15%

JORGE POLANCO – Shortstop

Since his return from the big leagues to Double-A Chattanooga, he has hit just .245 in 23 games. For the second straight season, Polanco has had two cups of coffee. Defensively, he has continued to struggle at shortstop. He has 28 errors between his AA and AAA time, a fielding percentage of just .933, a career low. With Eduardo Escobar, Eduardo Nunez and (likely) Danny Santana able to play shortstop in September, Polanco’s role might just be as a pinch hitter. Odds: 30%

JASON WHEELER – Left-Handed Starting Pitchers

It’s been a tough season for Wheeler. He was added to the 40-man roster last winter and came to big league camp. He surprisingly began 2015 in Rochester despite only 12 starts in AA in 2014. He has made 15 starts with the Red Wings this year and gone 1-7 with a 6.58 ERA in 78 innings. In Chattanooga (9 starts), he is 4-2 with a 3.83 ERA. Odds: 0%

MAX KEPLER – First Base/Outfield

Kepler has been the Twins choice for minor league hitter of the month the last three months. Here at Twins Daily, he was player of the month in May and finished second in June and July. In 104 games with the Lookouts, he has hit .330/.416/.547 (.963). He has 32 doubles, 12 triples, nine home runs and 16 stolen bases. He has the ability to play first base and all three outfield positions. He will continue to play for the Lookouts through their regular season and in the Southern League playoffs, and he will certainly be Minor League Hitter of the Year in 2015. Will the 22-year-old join the Twins for the final two weeks of the season? Odds: 51%

Again, these are all just guesses based on following things for a long time (meaning, I’m old). Let us know what you think. Later today, we’ll discuss the players on the 40 man roster and which of them we think might be added for September.

SUMMARY (including Non-Roster Guys)

The 99% Club: AJ Achter, Danny Santana, Michael Tonkin, Kennys Vargas, (Eric Fryer)

Just Above 50% - Alex Meyer, Max Kepler, (JO Berrios)

Just Below 50% – Logan Darnell, (Mark Hamburger)

Will Get Some Consideration – Josmil Pinto, Jorge Polanco, (James Beresford, JT Chargois, Pat Dean)

So, from my opinion, there are five guys that are certain to be September call ups. There are five other guys who are going to be strongly considered but my confidence is only around 45-60% And, of course, there are another handful of players who deserve strong consideration for a September call up but for whatever reason likely will not be added.

So how many, and how, do you think will be promoted for September.