Today is a Big Day for the Twins--in St. Paul

[stringer bell]

The Twins magic number is 5 as they enter play today. The have a 5:40 game in Cincinnati, Cleveland plays tonight at Kansas City and Detroit (magic number of 4) is at Los Angeles, but I'd argue that the Twins front office is more concerned about what happens in St. Paul as the Saints open their last home series of their season.

Not one, not two, not three, not four, but five players on the Injured List(s) are scheduled to play tonight at CHS Field. The two position players (Joey Gallo and Nick Gordon) were regulars in April. Pitchers Chris Paddack, Jorgé Alcalá and Brock Stewart are all scheduled to pitch with Paddack throwing about 50 pitches. 

All five players have some chance of being on a Twins postseason active roster, particularly with Carlos Correa coming out of the Twins game in the first inning last night. Gallo and Gordon both are candidates to be added to the position player mix that might include as many as 15 position players. Stewart, Alcalá and Paddack could be added to the pitching staff. Of the five, I think the most likely to be added back is Stewart.

Also of note, the only other player who has been mentioned as a possible performer in October is Byron Buxton. I have heard nothing to suggest he'll go back to St. Paul to rehab.

[chpettit19]

I got some free tickets to the Saints game tonight so it's a nice little treat to get a nice dose of major leaguers. Even if I have to deal with watching Gallo 😜

[GusGus11]

Would be absolutely mind blowing if they brought back Gordon.

Hasnt played since May. Sucked when he did play. Hasnt had a hit in AAA yet. Is a lefty so wont even spell our young lefties.

His D versatility is already obsolete by Castro and Farmer and hes worse than both of them. Oh yeah, he also isnt even a good base stealer healthy and coming off a leg injury.

Gallo would be a last resort as well. But at least there are small uses for him albeit all requiring like worst case scenario to other players.

Stewart we need back effectively forsure. Hopefully one of Alcala or Paddack emerges as an option as well.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

I would like to see Paddack then get two more starts in the majors with the Twins, so that he can have that “all the way back” feeling heading into 2024. 

[stringer bell]

Good results tonight in St. Paul.  Gallo 1-3 with a walk and RBI. Gordon 2-3 with a run scored. Paddack with three scoreless innings, two hits, one walk and five Ks. Stewart with a scoreless inning, one walk, one K. Alcalá with a scoreless inning, as well. 

[ashbury]

12 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

Even if I have to deal with watching Gallo 😜

I was worried sick about Gallo's (checks transactions log) "left" "foot" "contusion."  Glad to find out he's staged a miraculous recovery so quickly.

[chpettit19]

9 hours ago, ashbury said:

I was worried sick about Gallo's (checks transactions log) "left" "foot" "contusion."  Glad to find out he's staged a miraculous recovery so quickly.

He looked like every bit the healthy Gallo we've come to know over the course of the year last night.

[chpettit19]

10 hours ago, stringer bell said:

Good results tonight in St. Paul.  Gallo 1-3 with a walk and RBI. Gordon 2-3 with a run scored. Paddack with three scoreless innings, two hits, one walk and five Ks. Stewart with a scoreless inning, one walk, one K. Alcalá with a scoreless inning, as well. 

Paddack looked really good as far as someone returning from their second TJ goes. One of those hits should've been a double play, at least from my angle, but Severino misplayed it (Severino looked frustrated with himself after the play, too). But Paddack was up to 99 (not sure how hot that gun is, but he was bringing it), and his change looked filthy, too. Toledo is no Murderer's Row, but I was encouraged by that outing for sure.

[Jocko87]

1 hour ago, chpettit19 said:

Paddack looked really good as far as someone returning from their second TJ goes. One of those hits should've been a double play, at least from my angle, but Severino misplayed it (Severino looked frustrated with himself after the play, too). But Paddack was up to 99 (not sure how hot that gun is, but he was bringing it), and his change looked filthy, too. Toledo is no Murderer's Row, but I was encouraged by that outing for sure.

What did his velo look like in the 3rd inning? When I watched him in Wichita last week he tailed off a few mph and gave up some hard contact at 93 after touching 97 once.

[chpettit19]

1 hour ago, Jocko87 said:

What did his velo look like in the 3rd inning? When I watched him in Wichita last week he tailed off a few mph and gave up some hard contact at 93 after touching 97 once.

He maintained 95-99 for his whole outing. Seemed to get more effective as he went. His first inning was the inning he struggled in as he walked a guy, gave up a loud single, and then the double play ball that turned into a single. He retired the next 6 guys he faced if I remember correctly. It was encouraging, and I hope he gets some major league innings this year to see how that goes.

[DocBauer]

I ONLY want Gallo around as an emergency roster add if more than 2 go down. And considering his numbers since around May 1st, the Twins should feel the same 

Always rooted for Gordon and had real hope his 2022 second half was a legit breakout and he'd be a valuable member of this year's team. But after missing more than 3 months, and a roster that looks full, are a couple milb games going to suddenly vault him to "must add" status? I'd say no. There's no room for him now, and I'm not sure there will be next year either.

I still have hope for Alcala. I really like his stuff, despite a few control issues post injuries. Really looked like he had figured it out following a SSS 2020 and a full year in 2021. Still crossing fingers it all comes together for 2024 and beyond, but I just don't see a handful of rehab games suddenly putting him in the Twins post season plans.

Great to read all the wonderful reports on Paddack and his return to health/form. While it would be hard to have any expectations for 2024 this soon, I have little doubt he'll be a significant part of the team. And I understand the "all hands on deck" mentality for the playoffs, but is a rehabbing Paddack, even looking good, throwing as hard as he can for a couple innings one of the best options? Is it best for him at this point? I'm not saying no to him, or Alcala, I'm just not sure if there's a good fit.

And part of the reason I say that is the potential return of Stewart. If he's even close to the pitcher he was before his injury, he's a MAJOR add to the pen. Assuming the Twins go with 8 pen arms for the first round, you have: Duran, Stewart, Jax, Thielbar. Pagan, Varland, and at least one of Ryan/Maeda/Ober I should think. I don't know that Floro is in the Twins' plans. He's iffy, IMO. I think Funderburk might very well be the 8th man to get than 2nd LH for the middle innings. 

I don't think the Twins are counting on either of Alcala or Paddack right now, and that's a good thing. They just need to stay ready, get prepare for instructs, and get ready for 2024.

[sampleSizeOfOne]

Thanks for the update.