Twins claim reliever Daniel Duarte off waivers, designate Ryan Jensen for assignment

Twins claimed Jensen Jan. 4

The Twins have claimed right-handed reliever Daniel Duarte off of waivers from the Texas Rangers.

Duarte had a 3.69 ERA while striking out 23 batters and walking 20 in 31.2 innings of work for the Cincinnati Reds in 2023. The 27-year-old split time in the minors in 2023, finishing with a 3.34 ERA, 39 strikeouts and 17 walks in 35 innings pitched for the Reds' Triple-A affiliate Louisville Bats.

According to FanGraphs, Duarte used four pitches in 2023 a fastball, slider, cutter and changeup. He threw a slider or cutter on 38% of his pitches.

In order to make room for Duarte the Twins designated Ryan Jensen for assignment. Minnesota claimed Jensen off waivers from the Miami Marlins on Jan. 4.

Jensen has spent four seasons in the minor as part of the Cubs and Mariners originations. He has a career 7-19 record with a 4.42 ERA recording 247 strikeouts for 10.3 strikeouts-per-9 innings in 876 games.

Sep 13, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Daniel Duarte (77) throws in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park / © David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports