Although Minnesota Twins prospect Alex Meyer primarily pitched in relief last year, the team plans on having him begin the 2016 season as a member of Triple-A Rochester's starting rotation, general manager Terry Ryan told reporters, including Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com.
"We've reached a consensus on Alex Meyer, and he's going to start because we want him to work on his pitches," Ryan said. "And that's tough to do in the 'pen. I'm not saying it'll be for the life of his career or even the life of the 2016 season, but that's the way we're going to start, and we'll gauge it as we go."
Meyer, considered one of the game's best young players as recently as last year, was moved to the bullpen after eight rough starts in Triple-A to begin the 2015 season. The 26-year-old found success after the transition, but his two outings at the major league level saw him get roughed up (five runs allowed in 2 2/3 innings).
Given the Twins' rotation depth, it's more likely that Meyer will contribute to the big league club as a reliever this season, Bollinger points out. However, Minnesota's decision to once again use him as a starter is a sign that the team hasn't given up on the former top prospect and hopes he can learn to make the most of his potential.
