Twins Cut Ties With Pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson After Tumultuous Debut

In a move that surprised few insiders but left fans scrambling for answers, the Minnesota Twins placed right‑hander Simeon Woods Richardson on the designated‑for‑assignment list on Tuesday night. The decision came on the heels of a shaky debut against the Detroit Tigers, where Woods Richardson surrendered four runs—two earned—in just 2 2/3 innings.

"We gave him a chance to start, but the numbers just weren't there," said Twins’ manager Rocco Baldelli, speaking to reporters after the game. "He's a talented guy, no doubt, but we have to do what's best for the club right now."

Woods Richardson entered the game with a 6.14 ERA, a stat that grew exponentially after the early barrage of hits. He managed to strike out two batters but also walked three, leaving a lot of runners on base and prompting the bullpen to mop up the remainder of the inning.

For Minnesota, the move opens a spot on the 40‑man roster, allowing the organization to call up a fresh arm from Triple‑A St. Paul. The Twins have been shuffling pitchers all season, trying to find a formula that can keep the opposition at bay in a tightly contested AL Central.

While Woods Richardson’s time with the big‑league club may be brief, his minor‑league résumé is solid. He posted a 3.70 ERA across Double‑A and Triple‑A last year and has been praised for his command and composure under pressure. "He's still very much in our plans, just not at the major‑league level right now," added Baldelli.

Fans took to social media with a mixture of sympathy and frustration. One tweet read, "RIP start for Woods Richardson, but let's hope he lands somewhere else soon." Another highlighted the club's need for consistency: "If the Twins keep rotating pitchers like this, we’ll never find a rhythm."

As the season pushes toward the trade deadline, the Twins are expected to be active, seeking both immediate help and future assets. Whether Woods Richardson finds a new home via trade, waiver claim, or outright release remains to be seen.