MINNEAPOLIS -- It seems the Twins are starting to posture themselves for their regular-season endgame -- and that movement started with an emotionally difficult move to part ways with popular left-hander Steven Okert, who was designated for assignment after Friday¡¯s game.

Even considering the lessened depth in the Twins¡¯ bullpen with the injuries to Brock Stewart, Justin Topa and Kody Funderburk and the struggles of Caleb Thielbar, manager Rocco Baldelli portrayed the Okert decision as a move to streamline their roster, with depth less of a consideration in the sprint that remains through the end of the season.

¡°You see our organization and other organizations having to just make calls that you don¡¯t really want to make, but you are kind of in a position where you start having to make them,¡± Baldelli said. ¡°There are just fewer games to play. You¡¯re not trying to hold onto as many good players as you can. You really have to lock in and do whatever you feel like you need to do toward the end.¡±

The Twins had acquired Okert in an offseason trade with the Marlins that sent Nick Gordon to Miami, and they had counted on the now-33-year-old left-hander in leverage roles, including his first career save on April 10 against the Dodgers.

But Okert struggled to a 5.09 ERA in 44 appearances (one start) this season, including 15 runs (14 earned) allowed in 14 1/3 innings (an 8.79 ERA) in his last 20 outings, dating back to June 12. Though he was effective against left-handed hitters, righties hit .317 with a .984 OPS against Okert, limiting his use in meaningful situations down the stretch.

With that, another one of the Twins¡¯ offseason relief acquisitions is out of the immediate picture. Jay Jackson and Josh Staumont (acquired in free agency) were both designated for assignment and released from the organization, while Topa (acquired via trade with the Mariners) has still not pitched for the Twins this season amid continued struggles and setbacks with his knee and arm.

Okert¡¯s departure does leave the Twins with even less clarity in how they match up with opposing left-handed hitters.

Thielbar has struggled to a 5.54 ERA in 45 games, and with Funderburk still on the mend from an oblique strain, it seems they will necessarily have to rely on Jorge Alcala -- who has allowed six homers in his past 12 outings -- and Trevor Richards -- who has struggled with both walks and wild pitches -- in those situations, given their preference to use Cole Sands against righties.

The Twins still have managed in that regard -- even without effective left-handed relief for much of this season, Minnesota relievers have held left-handed hitters to a .361 slugging percentage this season.

They might eventually be able to add Louie Varland, who can get left-handed hitters out, to that mix -- though doesn¡¯t yet appear to be an imminent consideration due to the depleted state of the rotation depth. Chris Paddack and his changeup could also factor in if he recovers and ramps up quickly enough to rejoin the team.

In the meantime, they¡¯ll have to rely even more heavily on their slim right-handed bullpen core -- and move past the loss of a well-liked and well-regarded teammate.

¡°He has a lot of fans here, people that really care about him,¡± Baldelli said. ¡°He¡¯s a great teammate, he¡¯s a great member of the organization. [He] represented the club very, very well. Having to talk to him, have a very difficult conversation with him like that, it was hard.¡±