Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Former Top Twins Prospect Optioned After Rough Outing

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Kaplan | Last updated May 15, 2025 3:24 PM ET

The Minnesota Twins won their MLB-best 10th consecutive game on Wednesday, taking down the struggling Baltimore Orioles 8-6 at Camden Yards. On Thursday afternoon, they'll look to make it 11 in a row.

Wednesday's offense-powered victory was much thanks to Kody Clemens' go-ahead three-run home run along with home runs from Trevor Larnach and Willi Castro.

Former top prospect Simeon Woods Richardson didn't exactly help matters, though, with a six-run third inning that put the Twins in a 6-4 hole early.

Following the game, the Twins made a surprising announcement on Woods Richardson.

The Twins optioned Woods Richardson to Triple-A St. Paul following his rough start. Lefty reliever Kody Funderburk, who had been the 27th man in the Twins' doubleheader on Wednesday, will stay in the big leagues in place of Woods Richardson.

Woods Richardson, the Twins' fifth starter, will be replaced by Zebby Matthews in his first start of the season.

The former No. 8 prospect in the Twins' system made 28 starts for Minnesota in 2024 to a 4.17 ERA and 1.29 WHIP, but Woods Richardson's early results left a lot to be desired, especially for a competitive team like the Twins.

Woods Richardson has lasted fewer than five innings in four of his last five starts, and his one run across 5 1/3 innings against the Angels on April 26th is the one time in the past month where he's pitched into the sixth.

In the month of May, Woods Richardson has pitched to a 6.75 ERA, with four of the 15 hits he allowed in three starts being home runs.

Hopefully, a reset will benefit Woods Richardson as he looks to get his season back on track.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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