Q&A: Twins pitcher Randy Dobnak hopeful lockout will end soon

Twins pitcher Randy Dobnak would typically be in Fort Myers in mid-February for the start of spring training. Instead, he’s home awaiting the players association and owners coming to an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. Until that time, there isn’t spring training and Dobnak can’t be in touch with Twins coaches and trainers.

Friday brought news of the owners canceling all spring training games through March 4.

In the meantime, he’s able to attend his brother’s wedding this weekend in Pittsburgh. Normally, escaping spring training the first week would be tough, so there is a tiny silver lining.

***Click the video box above to watch our conversation with Dobnak***

In his first couple of seasons, Dobnak had a 3.12 earned run average over 15 starts and 75 innings.

But, he struggled last year. He started six games, came out of the bullpen eight times, and missed two-and-a-half months with a middle finger strain. Dobnak finished the season with a 7.64 earned run average.

Dobnak, as described in our interview, still has some discomfort with his right middle finger. But he said he’s learning to overcome that and is excited for the 2022 season, whenever it may start.

Dobnak signed a 5-year, $9.25 million contract last March.