Account
Report: Ex-Angels, Indians RP Cody Allen Expected to Sign Contract with Twins
June 22, 2019
The Minnesota Twins are "expected to sign" free-agent reliever Cody Allen to a minor league contract, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman.
Allen was released by the Los Angeles Angels on June 18 after being designated for assignment earlier in the month.
He started his career with the Cleveland Indians and recorded a 2.98 ERA during his seven-year run with the Tribe. And while he posted a career-worst 4.70 ERA last season, the Angels signed him to a one-year, $8.5 million deal in January, with an additional $2 million in incentives available.
His time in L.A. came to an abrupt end following a tough start to the 2019 campaign.
The 30-year-old was 0-2 with four saves in 23 innings, registering a 6.26 ERA while allowing a .255 average against. His strikeouts per nine rate (11.3) was right in line with his career average (11.5), but his WHIP (1.913), walks per nine (7.8) and home runs per nine (3.5) had all skyrocketed.
Allen's splits were not favorable from any standpoint this season, either:
- Right-handers hit .264 average with four home runs
- Left-handers hit .244 with five home runs
- Home ERA of 6.08 in 15 appearances
- Road ERA of 6.52 in 10 appearances
Signed to get hitters out late in games, the right-handed reliever was ineffective through the first two months. Ultimately, the Angels decided to pull the plug.
Although Minnesota (50-26) has a commanding nine-game lead in the American League Central, its bullpen has room for improvement. According to ESPN.com, Twins relievers rank 16th in the majors with a 4.47 ERA despite tossing the fourth-fewest innings.
Adjusting to life with the Twins should go smoothly for Allen, as the veteran has no shortage of experience pitching inside of the AL Central. He has a 3.16 career ERA at the five AL Central ballparks, including a 1.33 ERA in 29 appearances at Target Field in Minnesota.