Twins bullpen and rotation shift as Hendriks, Chafin released

The Minnesota Twins released veterans Liam Hendriks and Andrew Chafin and optioned Zebby Matthews, opening a rotation spot for Mick Abel. Joe Ryan was named the team's Opening Day starter.

The Minnesota Twins made several roster moves in Fort Myers that clarified parts of their pitching staff as spring training wound down. The club released veteran relievers Liam Hendriks and Andrew Chafin and granted infielder Gio Urshela his release ahead of opt-out dates. Minnesota optioned starter Zebby Matthews to Triple A, clearing a rotation spot that opens the way for Mick Abel. Manager Derek Shelton and general manager Jeremy Zoll pointed to inconsistency, velocity and command as factors in the decisions. Key developments: - Liam Hendriks and Andrew Chafin were released; Gio Urshela was also granted his release before opt-out dates. - Zebby Matthews was optioned to Triple A, and Mick Abel is positioned to join the starting rotation. - Joe Ryan was announced as the Twins' Opening Day starter after a season in which he had a 3.42 ERA and 194 strikeouts. - Hendriks showed some encouraging signs in camp but lacked consistent velocity, command and hold on runners; Chafin also experienced reduced velocity in his final outing. - With those moves, candidates who look likely for the bullpen include Justin Topa, Cole Sands, Zak Kent and Eric Orze, along with lefties Anthony Banda, Taylor Rogers and Kody Funderburk. Non-roster right-handers such as Dan Altavilla, Matt Bowman, Trent Baker and Cody Laweryson are competing for remaining spots. - The Twins enter the final days of camp with 37 players on the roster list, some remaining players dealing with injuries including Pablo López (out for the season after Tommy John surgery), David Festa (right shoulder impingement) and Travis Adams (right elbow inflammation). Summary: The roster moves narrow options for the bullpen and finalize a rotation spot for Mick Abel while naming Joe Ryan the Opening Day starter. The team is scheduled to break camp Tuesday and open the season in Baltimore on Thursday.