Twins expected to acquire Sergio Romo in trade with Marlins

The Minnesota Twins are looking to bolster their bullpen ahead of the trade deadline and appear to be close to doing so.

The Twins are expected to finalize a trade with the Miami Marlins for Sergio Romo, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. They are also receiving pitcher Chris Vallimont and a player to be named later. The Marlins are receiving minor league first baseman Lewin Diaz from the Twins, according to Jon Heyman.

Romo, 36, has 17 saves for the Marlins this season. He is 2-0 with a 3.58 ERA and 1.22 WHIP.

Romo is a heavy slider pitcher, throwing it on average nearly 58 percent of the time the past three seasons. He is particularly difficult on right-handed hitters due to his slider usage. Right-handed hitters are batting .200 against him this season compared to .277 for lefties.

The first-place Twins have an excellent closer in Taylor Rogers but want some more bullpen help as they prepare for a potential playoff run.