59 Jhoan Duran RP

The Twins optioned Duran to their minor-league camp Sunday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Along with Duran, fellow pitchers Dakota Chalmers, Jordan Balazovic and Bailey Ober were also optioned as Minnesota made its first cuts of spring training. The Twins are expected to send the 23-year-old fireballer to Double-A Wichita or Triple-A St. Paul to continue his development as a starter, though Duran could make his big-league debut as a reliever once he's ultimately called up from the minors.

Duran was included in Minnesota's 60-man player pool ahead of summer camp before the 2020 season begins, MLB.com reports.

Duran has an ability to generate groundballs at an elite clip (65.4 GB% at Low-A, 52.9 GB% at High-A, 63.3 GB% at Double-A since joining the Twins), which could make him an option in the bullpen this season, even though he'll likely begin the season at Minnesota's alternate training site.

Duran was optioned to the minor leagues Monday.

Duran was added to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft back in November, but he's only made seven starts at the Double-A level, so it's hardly surprising to see him sent to minor-league camp. The Twins haven't announced his destination to start the season, but he's likely to need a bit more time in Double-A.

Duran was added to the Twins' 40-man roster Wednesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

This was a forgone conclusion on the final day to protect prospects from the Rule 5 draft. Duran excels at generating weak contact (63.3 GB% at Double-A) thanks to a heavy mid-90s fastball. At worst, he should make it as a late-inning weapon, but if he will be given the chance to develop into a mid-rotation starter. Look for him to open the year back at Double-A before spending the bulk of 2020 in the Triple-A rotation.

Duran was promoted to Double-A Pensacola after posting a 3.23 ERA with an 11.0 K/9 at High-A Fort Myers.

After posting a strong 2.00 ERA and 10.3 K/9 last season at Low-A, Duran has continued to impress at the next level. His walk rate ticked up a bit to 3.6 BB/9, but his 100-mph heater still produced a high strikeout rate. A strong finish to the season at Double-A could put him on the radar for a major-league callup next year.

Duran threw four scoreless innings with four strikeouts and one walk in his first start for High-A Fort Myers. He did not allow a hit.

Duran can reach 100 mph with his fastball and had an impressive 10.3 K/9 last season at Low-A. Duran's command needs some work for him to make it as a starter, but he's off to a good start at Fort Myers.

Duran was traded from the Diamondbacks to the Twins on Thursday along with Gabriel Maciel and Ernie De La Trinidad in exchange for Eduardo Escobar, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports.

While Duran is a long way from the majors, he has an electric arm, plus an ideal 6-foot-5, 175-pound frame for a 20-year-old hurler and developing secondary pitches in his slider and changeup. Duran's command needs some work for him to make it as a starter, but he has plenty of time to get that ironed out. He had a 4.73 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 71:28 K:BB in 64.2 innings (15 starts) for Low-A Kane County.

Duran tossed five scoreless frames Sunday for Low-A Kane County in its 3-2 loss to Peoria. He gave up one hit and one walk and struck out four.

Duran's full-season debut was delayed until May 4 while the Diamondbacks deliberately kept him on ice at extended spring training, likely in an effort to limit his innings load. The 20-year-old has thus far impressed in his four outings in the Midwest League, delivering a 3.00 ERA and 0.89 WHIP while striking out 18 over 18 innings. The 6-foot-5 righty is one of the higher-upside arms in the lower rungs of the Arizona farm system but is probably at least two years away from getting a look in the majors, even if he continues to perform at a high level.