# Taj Bradley's First-Inning Problem Gives Twins' New Coach Clear Priority

> Twins' new pitching coach must fix Taj Bradley's first-inning struggles to strengthen rotation.
- Title: Taj Bradley's First-Inning Problem Gives Twins' New Coach…
- Summary: Twins' new pitching coach must fix Taj Bradley's first-inning struggles to strengthen rotation. Twins' new pitching coach should address Taj Bradley's high…
- Keywords: taj bradley, minnesota twins, pitching coach, first inning, walk rate, rotation, mlb, sports, Taj, Bradley's, First-Inning, Problem
- Source: Minnesota Twins On SI — https://si.com/mlb/twins/onsi/taj-bradley-first-inning-problem-gives-twins-new-coach-clear-priority
- Published: 2026-10-21T23:00:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: taj bradley, minnesota twins, pitching coach, first inning, walk rate, rotation, mlb, sports
## First-Inning Struggles
Taj Bradley walked 22 batters in first innings, a 15.5% walk rate versus 8.9% later in games.
## Bradley's Performance
Bradley finished 2026 with a 3.73 ERA, 205 strikeouts, and 178 1/3 innings across 31 starts.
## First-Inning ERA
Bradley allowed 24 earned runs over 31 innings in first innings, producing a 6.97 ERA.
## Coach's Priority
Brian Reith's first task is helping Bradley enter games with sharper command to strengthen rotation.
## Key Focus Areas
Reith and Bradley should review which pitches missed, how often misses came before two strikes, and delivery changes.
## Improvement Strategy
Minnesota should compare Bradley's opening-inning execution with later innings and test adjustments in spring training.
## Long-Term Value
Bradley's continued growth helps Minnesota's rotation as veteran pitchers approach contract decisions.
## Key takeaway

Twins' new pitching coach should address Taj Bradley's high first-inning walk rate to improve rotation.