the game turned when Jackson couldn't get anyone out, and then Okert came in and hung a belt-high slider that turned into a Grand Slam. neither of those guys have great stuff and they can't throw strikes.
Twins were not going to use Duran, Jax or Thielbar tonight. with Stewart out, there is a big gap in the 'Pen. Jackson and Okert are journeymen at best. I am not an Alcala fan, but agree that asking him for 2 innings was a gamble. They needed Ober to go at least 6 innings and he couldn't do it.
had to look up to see what happened to Josh Staumont - who the Twins picked up in the off-season. he started the season on the IL and has made 8 appearances at St. Paul with so-so results. 16 K in 10.2 IP but allowed 5 ER. looks like Josh Winder is on a rehab assignment.......oh, joy.
If Varland is throwing well, I'd tell him, "sorry, you're going in the 'Pen" and bring him back up as a reliever.