Twins management isn't ready to promote starting pitcher prospect Kyle Gibson to the majors, citing a need for more consistency before the right-hander is added to the major-league roster. Well, the way he's pitching at Triple-A Rochester, Gibson might force his way into the Twins' rotation sooner than expected.
Gibson ran his scoreless innings streak to 18 Saturday, tossing eight scoreless innings in a victory over Charlotte. Gibson held an opponent scoreless for the third time in four starts, winning all three of those outings.
"I wouldn't say I'm surprising myself. I've just had a pretty good plan in three of the past four starts and I executed the plan," he told MLB.com. "I'm just figuring out how to focus on advanced scouting reports."
Gibson is 4-5 with a 2.82 ERA and .221 opponents' batting average in 10 starts. He's managed 53 strikeouts in 60 2/3 innings.
"As well as the fans know the game and with what [journalists] write about me, I'm trying not to focus on that too much," Gibson said about a potential promotion. "Whether fans doubt me or write things about me, I don't let it affect me too much because I know what I'm capable off. If I work hard ... I'm not too worried about it."