Lefty Dan Runzler trying to get fastball back in Twins camp

FORT MYERS, FLA. – Of the 63 players who were at Twins camp when Dan Runzler reported, he had a connection with just one.

He was largely an unknown at Hammond Stadium but didn't mind being in unfamiliar surroundings as he hits the reset button on his career.

It's a career that includes blazing fastballs and two World Series rings. But things have gone sideways, leading to stops on the disabled list and stints in Japan and the independent league.

Now he's healthy, he says, his shoulder is strong. Now he's looking to a spot in the Twins bullpen, and a chance to show he can return — or get close — to the form that made him one of the most promising young relievers in the game.

"I don't take anything for granted, that's for sure," Runzler said. "When you get an opportunity like this, you just want to make the most of it and have as much fun and enjoy it as long as you can.

"Make your mark while you're here and see where the chips fall."

On Tuesday, Runzler pitched 1⅔ scoreless innings to lower his spring training ERA to 2.25. He entered the game with two outs in the sixth and was surprised by a suicide squeeze bunt on his first pitch, leading to a run that was charged to starter Phil Hughes. Runzler retired four of the next five batters he faced, twice hitting 95 miles per hour on the radar gun. He faced four righthanded batters, with one reaching on a fielder's choice.

Dan Runzler career statistics

Being able to get righthanded hitters out will be a huge plus for any lefty trying to stand out among a crowded field of contenders for a bullpen spot. Fernando Abad is considered to be one of the top candidates. Taylor Rogers, attempting to switch from starting to relieving, threw 1⅔ innings of scoreless ball Monday. Ryan O'Rourke lowered his ERA to 1.69 on Monday. Buddy Boshers, the lone previous connection for Runzler from their 2012 Arizona Fall League days, is also in the mix with a 3.86 ERA after throwing two scoreless innings Tuesday.

Twins manager Paul Molitor on Tuesday said there has been little separation in camp among the lefty relievers. So Runzler, who turns 31 on March 30, remains in the picture.

"He's come in here and has done a decent job, so it is encouraging," Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. "He's given us something to think about. He's given us some velocity. He can spin the ball. He's got a changeup. He's been around a little bit. Everything to this point has gone quite well. He has thrown the ball over for the most part."

There was a time when Runzler's job security wasn't an issue. He rocketed through the Giants system, appearing at five levels in 2009 and finishing on the major league staff. He could hit 97 miles per hour with his fastball, he had good breaking pitches and a changeup.

He was part of the 2010 Giants team that won the World Series, but he dislocated his knee July 8 during his first major league at-bat. He was out until September and was not included on the playoff roster.

The injuries kept coming. He tore the lat muscle near his left shoulder on the final day of the 2011 season. He made just six appearances in 2012 because of shoulder problems and, again, was on the sideline as the Giants won another title. He has rings from both years but didn't pitch in a postseason game.

But 2012 was the last time he was in the majors. Throwing strikes became his next ailment, as he spent all of 2013 in the minors. In 2014, he walked 36 batters in 46 ⅓ innings when he was released so he could pitch for the Orix Buffaloes of the Japanese Pacific League. He could have returned to Japan for 2015 but wanted another shot at the majors.

He signed with Arizona and was at Class AAA Reno when he was released July 29. He hooked on with the Sugarland Skeeters, an independent team, as he was running out of chances.

"That was the ultimate grind," he said. "Trying to get back into major league ball, with guys there for the love of the game and trying to get back into it.

"If you're not having fun anymore, this is it. [But] I had a lot of fun there, getting back to the love of the game and not worrying about this and that, taking it one pitch at a time."

The next step was to get back in a major league camp this year. The Twins made it easy, contacting him early in the free agent process. Now Runzler has his chance to show he can be the 97 mph flamethrower he once was.

"I feel like I've still got that when I need it," he said. "Like I can reach back and do that.''