Former Orioles starter gets DFA treatment for the second time this month

If Orioles fans think the second half of the 2024 season has been difficult to watch, let's just take a look over at the Twins. Minnesota is in dire straits, on the verge of falling out of the postseason entirely after posting a brutal 9-14 record and a -25 run differential in September.

The Twins' loss in Miami on Tuesday night helped the Orioles clinch a postseason berth but pushed the Twins to the brink. After Wednesday's games, the Twins sit 2 games back in the AL Wild Card race with just 4 games left to play.

Part of the reason why they've been so bad in September is former Orioles' left hander Cole Irvin. After getting designated for assignment by the Orioles just a couple weeks ago, Irvin was picked up by the Twins where he was immediately shifted to a bullpen role. Unfortunately, things haven't worked out for the lefty as he was DFA'd for the third time this year on Wednesday afternoon.

Former Orioles starter Cole Irvin ditched by the collapsing Twins

Irvin was completely dreadful in four appearances with Minnesota, pitching to a 12.27 ERA in 3.2 innings. He allowed 5 runs across 4 outings, striking out just 2 batters while walking 4. He had collapsed with the Orioles prior to his initial DFA as well. He'd pitched so poorly that he passed through waivers and accepted a minor league assignment to Triple-A Norfolk back in early August.

After returning to Baltimore to help fill a hole created by injuries, Irvin again pitched poorly enough to get designated for assignment for the second time this year. This time, Irvin failed to make it through waivers as the Twins liked what they saw and put a claim in for the lefty. The claim clearly didn't work out for Minnesota though, as evidenced by Irvin's poor performance.

Assuming he doesn't pitch again this year, Irvin will finish 2024 with a 5.11 ERA in 111 total innings, including 16 starts. If he passes through waivers as expected, he'll head to Minnesota's Triple-A affiliate, though the St. Paul Saints are done for the year at this point.

Because Irvin didn't join the Twins until late September, he won't be eligible for their postseason roster in the event that they sneak back into the playoffs. 2024 will go down as a disappointing year for Irvin, though he'll get the opportunity to right the ship in 2025.

MLB Trade Rumors reports that it's possible Irvin has to settle for a minor league deal in the offseason but either way, he'll almost certainly find himself in spring training fighting for a job somewhere. 2024 was disappointing but he's been good enough throughout his career to warrant another chance. We'll have to wait and see where he ends up.