Twins Add Ben Ross and Garrett Acton for Stretch Drive

The Minnesota Twins are preparing for September baseball by adding two depth pieces to their active roster. Infielder Ben Ross will have his contract selected when rosters expand tomorrow, while right-handed pitcher Garrett Acton is being recalled to fill a bullpen spot. The moves suggest the Twins are addressing both position player depth and relief pitching needs as the team heads into the season's final stretch.

Acton's return to the bullpen. Garrett Acton's recall indicates the Twins believe he can contribute innings during meaningful games. The fact that his locker is already set up in the clubhouse signals this isn't a surprise call-up—the organization prepared for his arrival and presumably discussed his role with the pitching staff. For a bullpen, adding another arm creates flexibility in usage patterns and reduces reliance on any single reliever.

Ross filling the infield. Ben Ross comes up for similar depth reasons as Murray does for Chicago. The infield is always susceptible to injury or unexpected absences, and having capable reserves available means the Twins don't need to press aging veterans or overuse established players in September. Ross will likely operate in a utility role, filling in at multiple infield spots as needed.

Bullpen and lineup strategy. The Twins' dual approach—adding bench infield help and bullpen depth—reflects modern roster construction in September. Teams prioritize flexibility over specialization, knowing that injury and fatigue can derail even talented groups down the stretch. For Minnesota specifically, these additions allow the team to manage workload and maximize availability for key contributors.

Betting considerations. September roster additions rarely move team totals significantly, but bullpen depth can affect game outcomes in close contests. If Acton becomes a trusted arm, games where the Twins lead in the eighth or ninth inning might see tighter odds. Position player additions are even less impactful on lines unless they're called on to start regularly.

Source: original report ↗