Kody Funderburk Optioned to Triple-A Amid Control Issues for Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Twins left-handed reliever Kody Funderburk has been optioned to the Triple-A St. Paul Saints after a rocky performance that nearly cost the team a victory on Saturday night. Despite showing solid overall numbers this season, control issues have plagued the 29-year-old pitcher, prompting the Twins to make a roster move.

In Cleveland, with the game tied 1-1 in the ninth inning, Funderburk walked two batters, leaving runners at second and third with one out. Manager Brian O’Halloran quickly pulled him from the game, turning to Eric Orze, who navigated the jam. The Twins eventually secured a 2-1 win in 11 innings thanks to a dramatic double off the wall by Byron Buxton.

Statistically, Funderburk’s season appears solid at first glance. Over 19 relief appearances, he maintains a 2.81 ERA. However, his control has been problematic: he has walked 13 batters while striking out only 10. A walk rate of 18.6% of batters faced is unsustainable at the Major League level, leaving little margin for error during critical game situations.

According to Baseball Savant, Funderburk’s walk percentage ranks in the 1st percentile across MLB pitchers, indicating that 99% of pitchers have a lower walk rate. His strikeout rate is similarly concerning, in the 8th percentile. While his peripheral stats are strong—barrel and hard-hit rates in the 83rd and 91st percentiles, respectively, along with a ground ball rate in the 88th percentile—his inability to consistently throw strikes diminishes the value of these strengths.

The Twins have called up left-handed prospect Kendry Rojas to replace Funderburk on the 26-man roster. Rojas, who previously logged two innings for the Twins earlier this season, allowed two hits and three walks without surrendering a run. At Triple-A St. Paul, Rojas has compiled a 2.21 ERA over six games, striking out 17 batters and walking seven across 16 1/3 innings. His performance suggests that he has the potential to stabilize the left-handed relief role and provide a more reliable option in high-leverage situations.

Funderburk’s demotion emphasizes the importance of control for Major League pitchers. Despite possessing elite metrics in limiting hard contact and inducing ground balls, failure to consistently throw strikes undermines effectiveness. The Twins hope that time at Triple-A will allow Funderburk to refine his mechanics and regain confidence, addressing the underlying issues that led to high walk totals and low strikeout output.

The move also highlights the depth of Minnesota’s pitching system, enabling the organization to replace struggling relievers with high-upside prospects. Rojas’ call-up demonstrates the team’s commitment to promoting players ready to contribute while holding established pitchers accountable for performance.

As the season progresses, Funderburk’s development at Triple-A will be closely monitored. Success in refining control could result in a midseason return to the Twins’ bullpen, providing left-handed depth and adding a pitcher with impressive underlying metrics. For now, Rojas assumes the role, offering the Twins a chance to stabilize late-inning situations while giving Funderburk the opportunity to work on key aspects of his game away from the pressure of Major League competition.