MINNEAPOLIS — Devin Smeltzer did everything he could to make the Twins' Opening Day roster. The lefthander left his fourth and final spring start April 2 having not allowed a run all camp. But by the next day, he found himself back on the Class AAA staff instead.
Persevering through adversity, though, is nothing new for the 26-year-old. He survived childhood cancer and battled back from a herniated disc in his neck that disrupted his 2021 season. And in five games so far with the Saints this season, he has a 1-2 record with a 3.86 ERA.
So when the Twins realized they needed a spot starter with Dylan Bundy not yet ready to start after his bout with COVID-19, Smeltzer was the call to fill in on the injury-riddled rotation.
