Duffey could begin the season in the minors after struggling this spring as manager Paul Molitor has wavered on his spot in the rotation, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Duffey gave up six runs and two home runs in 5.2 innings Wednesday in a spring game against Triple-A Nortfolk.
Duffey already had a 6.48 ERA in major league spring starts. Molitor before had said Duffey would be in the rotation unless something "fairly significant" happened, but now he says the team's fourth and fifth starters have not been decided. Molitor ruled out Duffey moving to the bullpen, so he'd begin the season in the minors if he loses out on a spot in the rotation to Ricky Nolasco and Tommy Milone.