The Minnesota Twins' spring training has revealed a surprising standout in the pitching department: Cory Lewis, whose unique knuckleball has caught the attention of teammates and catchers alike. This pitch is not just any ordinary knuckleball; it’s thrown at a remarkable velocity of around 85 mph, differing from the traditional floating knuckleballs that are slower and much easier to predict. Catchers have shared their experiences, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of Lewis's delivery. They recount stories of close calls on missed catches and the challenge it presents both for them and opposing hitters.

Lewis, who was named the Twins' minor league pitcher of the year in 2023, showcased his knuckleball during his Grapefruit League debut against the Detroit Tigers, where it resulted in several whiffs from batters. The pitch's erratic movement forces catchers like Jair Camargo to improvise, as the PitchCom device lacked the ability to communicate knuckleball calls, leading to creative solutions during live pitching. Whether this unique pitch will earn Lewis a spot on the major league roster remains to be seen as he is expected to begin the season at Class AAA St. Paul.

Eiberson Castellano, a Rule 5 draft pick and former minor league pitcher of the year for the Philadelphia Phillies, faces significant pressure in his first spring training with the Minnesota Twins. With only eight starts above A-ball, Castellano must secure a spot on the Twins' 26-man roster for the entire season or risk being returned to the Phillies. His strong minor league stats, featuring a 3.99 ERA with 136 strikeouts over 103.2 innings, showcase his potential. Fellow Venezuelan Pablo López advised Castellano to manage expectations as he adapts to the major leagues.

Meanwhile, Danny Coulombe returns to the Twins after two successful seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, bringing a contract worth $3 million. His 2.12 ERA last year demonstrated his effectiveness, although he had to recover from elbow surgery. Manager Rocco Baldelli hints that Louie Varland may shift to a full-time relief role this season, while catcher Jair Camargo is set to represent Colombia in the World Baseball Classic qualifier.