One key difference-maker for Twins in April: closer Brandon Kintzler

There are enough differences between April 2016 and April 2017 for the Twins that it’s impractical to try to say which has been the most significant in changing what was a 7-17 month a year ago into a 12-11 month this year.

The starting pitching has been better, with members of the Twins’ rotation posting a 3.80 ERA in the first month of the season. The defense has seen a massive upgrade at key positions, leading Minnesota to be among MLB’s best teams in defensive runs saved when it was among the worst last season. Miguel Sano has been a revelation, carrying the offense almost by himself in key stretches.

But one other contributor can’t be overlooked: closer Brandon Kintzler. Again, that’s not to say he’s been the most important reason for the Twins’ improved record, but he’s played a key role.

It feels tempting, at times, to overlook Kintzler. He doesn’t have classic closer “stuff,” given that he doesn’t overpower hitters with his fastball and averages just 6.4 strikeouts per nine innings for his career. He was signed by the Twins as a minor league free agent in the 2015 offseason after an injury-marred year with the Brewers. He started 2016 in Class AAA Rochester as a then-31-year-old looking for one more chance.

He was called up because of injury last year and became the closer only after Glen Perkins was hurt and Kevin Jepsen was ineffective.

Here, though, is where the April comparison becomes apt. Again, several things went wrong last year. But we can’t forget that the Twins lost five games in April last season in which they were either tied or ahead in the eighth inning. Perkins blew one save before being lost for the year due to injury. Jepsen blew two others in losses (and a third in a game the Twins ended up winning). Jepsen also gave up a run in the ninth inning of tie games that resulted in Twins losses. Those close losses set the tone for a lost season.

This season, the Twins have only lost once when carrying a lead into the eighth inning — when Matt Belisle and Ryan Pressly combined to give up three runs on April 16.

Kintzler is a perfect 7-for-7 on save opportunities. In fact, he allowed his first run all year in the final game of April — a harmless solo homer in a 7-5 win. He doesn’t tend to work perfectly clean innings (he’s allowed at least one base runner in six of his seven saves this year), but Kintzler has been effective dating back to last year when he converted 17 of 20 save opportunities.

In terms of pure stuff, there are more dominant Twins relievers who might seem like more natural closers. But in terms of results, Kintzler has been a revelation.

It’s wrong to say a spotless closer is the only difference between last year’s 7-17 April and this year’s 12-11 April, but when considering all the blown games in the first month last year and what Kintzler has done this year, you have to say he’s been a major reason.