The Pittsburgh Pirates signed free-agent right-hander Juan Minaya to a minor-league deal on Saturday. The 32-year-old made six appearances out of the bullpen (9 2/3 innings) for the Minnesota Twins in 2022 and allowed six earned runs on eight hits while walking five and striking out 11. It took Minaya eight years to reach the majors after signing out of the Dominican Republic in 2008. In parts of six major-league seasons, he has a decent 3.69 ERA (4.08 FIP), 1.37 WHIP, 10 saves and 25.2 percent strikeout rate in 178 innings pitched (all in relief). Minaya might have a pretty decent shot at pitching in the big leagues for the rebuilding Pirates in 2023, but he won't be on the fantasy radar at all.
The Minnesota Twins selected the contract of Juan Minaya from St. Paul on Saturday night. The transaction adds depth to the bullpen, primarily with the collective absences of Derek Law (shoulder), Danny Coulombe (personal), and Randy Dobnak (finger). In four Major League appearances this season, the 30-year is currently sitting on a 4.26 ERA. It's probable he won't be with the big club long, so fantasy managers looking to fill a void should search elsewhere.
Nate Jones Lands On Disabled List, Juan Minaya Recalled
Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Nate Jones (arm) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday with a pronator muscle strain. Jones has struggled this year with a 4.01 ERA and four saves. There is currently not a timetable for Jones return, but he is expected to miss more than the minimum 10 days. Pitcher Juan Minaya has been recalled to take the place of Jones and can be avoided in all formats. Joakim Soria is now the unquestioned closer for the White Sox.
The Chicago White Sox announced on Saturday that they have sent relief pitcher Juan Minaya down to Triple-A. Minaya walked four batters Saturday and allowed one run while recording zero outs. In three outing so far, Minaya has allowed five walks and three runs in just one inning. He should be back up as he works out his kinks.
Chicago White Sox closer Juan Minaya blew his first save of the season Thursday afternoon. Minaya was three-for-three in Save opportunities prior to today. Minaya was wild today walking two batters and then hitting Max Kepler for a walk-off hit by pitch. He's should still remain the team's closer but unless you really need saves there are better options.
Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Juan Minaya picked up his first save of the year Friday with a walk in a strikeout in the ninth inning against the Rangers. With the White Sox firmly out of contention and after trading away former closer David Robertson and bullpen staples Anthony Swarzak and Tommy Kahnle, the ninth inning is up for grabs down the stretch. Minaya seems like the best bet, especially after Friday night, but Jake Petricka could also figure into the picture. The right-handed Minaya has an uninspiring 4.50 ERA but has fanned 39 hitters in 30 innings. He should be your first choice if you remain desperate for saves and he's available on your waiver wire. Just keep in mind it probably won't be smooth sailing, and the White Sox won't give him many opportunities.
Chicago White Sox manager Rick Renteria said on Tuesday that the team's closer situation is "fluid", not naming the closer for the future. Tyler Clippard handled Chicago's last save opportunity, traded to the Astros on Sunday, and David Robertson, Tommy Kahnle, and Anthony Swarzak were all dealt last month as well. Juan Minaya and Jake Petricka would seem to be the leaders for ninth-inning duties now on the south side of Chicago and Minaya has the best odds on getting the job. Minaya has a 3.27 ERA and 0.91 WHIP over the last 30 days and has 36 strike outs in 27 1/3 innings this season.