Orze (0-1) blew the save and took the loss Wednesday as the Twins fell 5-3 to the Mariners, getting charged with three runs on two hits and two walks over one-third of an inning. He struck out one.
Getting the call to begin the ninth inning and protect a 3-2 lead, Orze walked the first batter he faced to set in motion another rough performance from the Minnesota bullpen. It was the righty's second blown save of the season but first to actually come in the ninth, as manager Derek Shelton continues to search for effective high-leverage options. Through 12 innings this season, Orze carries a 5.25 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 12:6 K:BB.
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Twins' Eric Orze: Picks up save Thursday
Rotowire
Orze earned his first save in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Tigers, recording one strikeout in a hitless and scoreless ninth inning.
With Kody Funderburk, Justin Topa and Cole Sands all pitching three of the previous four days, manager Derek Shelton went to Orze in the ninth inning Thursday. Orze threw 12 of his 14 pitches for strikes and set down the Tigers in order. Orze has a 1.59 ERA and 4:3 K:BB across 5.2 innings this season. Minnesota doesn't have a set-in-stone closer, as five different relievers all have one save to lead the team. Orze could get more save chances down the road, but there's currently no guarantees at the back end of the Twins' bullpen.
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Twins' Eric Orze: Looks set to make bullpen
Rotowire
Orze looks set to win a spot in the Minnesota bullpen despite giving up five runs in 6.2 innings (6.75 ERA) this spring with an 8:6 K:BB, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.
Orze has struggled a bit this spring with his control but the Twins are in need of right-handed relievers. Orze looked good in his first extended run in the majors last season with Tampa Bay before his offseason trade to Minnesota, posting a 3.02 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 40:19 K:BB over 41.2 innings across 33 appearances.
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Twins' Eric Orze: Moved to Minnesota
Rotowire
Tampa Bay traded Orze to the Twins on Tuesday for minor-league pitcher Jacob Kisting, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Orze looked pretty good in his first extended run in the majors last season, posting a 3.02 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 40:19 K:BB over 41.2 innings across 33 appearances. He also picked up three saves and a hold. However, he spent most of the second half of the campaign in the minors after stumbling with the Rays in late June and early July. Orze has a good chance of earning a role in Minnesota's big-league bullpen for 2026, as the club is overhauling most of its relief corps.
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Rays' Eric Orze: Optioned to Triple-A
Rotowire
The Rays optioned Orze to Triple-A Durham on Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
His roster spot will be filled by Bryan Baker, who was acquired via trade earlier Thursday. Orze has been a trusted member of the Rays' bullpen for much of the season, but he's stumbled lately, allowing nine runs (eight earned) over his last 10.2 innings.
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Rays' Eric Orze: Recalled from Triple-A
Rotowire
The Rays recalled Orze from Triple-A Durham on Monday, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.
Orze had permitted just one hit and one run with a 9:0 K:BB over his first six innings with Durham this season. The 27-year-old will provide Tampa Bay with a fresh bullpen arm.
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Rays' Eric Orze: Dealt to Tampa Bay
Rotowire
The Rays acquired Orze from the Mets on Tuesday in exchange for Jose Siri, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.
Orze, 27, yielded four runs over 1.2 frames during his first go-round in the majors in 2024 but posted a 2.92 ERA and 84:31 K:BB across 61.2 innings with Triple-A Syracuse. The Rays often work wonders with their relievers, so if they see something in Orze then he's probably worth keeping an eye on.
