Injury Timelines and the Twins' Roster Impact for the Stretch Run

[Cody Christie]

Every team faces injuries at one of the season’s most critical junctures. When can fans expect some key players to return for the Twins?

Image courtesy of John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

The Twins added one middle relief pitcher (Trevor Richards) at the trade deadline, forcing the team to rely on intern options for the stretch run. Are any key players nearing a return? What players will be expected to step in if extended injury timelines exist? Let’s examine the team’s roster and the organizational depth chart. 

Carlos Correa, SS
Injury: Plantar fasciitis
The Twins placed Correa on the 10-day IL on July 20 as he is dealing with plantar fasciitis in his right heel. Last season, his left heel had the same injury, significantly impacting his performance. He had a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to help with the injury. Correa has started to ramp up his baseball activities by working in the batting cages, running on the field, and taking ground balls. His next steps are to attempt to sprint without pain. The Twins plan to send Correa on a short rehab assignment to ensure his timing is back before returning to the big-league level. Brooks Lee and Willi Castro have filled in for Correa at shortstop in his absence. Return Timeline: Mid-to-Late August

Brock Stewart, RHP
Injury: Right shoulder strain
In his most recent return from the IL, Stewart was limited to two appearances. He struggled in those outings and was placed back on the IL with a recurrence of the right shoulder issue that caused him to miss nearly three months. Stewart has been one of the AL’s most dominant relief pitchers when healthy. However, he has been limited to fewer than 16 innings this season. There is a chance that his season is done, but the Twins will likely try to ramp him up in a few weeks to see what his shoulder can endure. Minnesota has made it through most of the season without Stewart, as Griffin Jax and Jorge Alcalá have filled his late-inning role. Return Timeline: Potentially Mid-to-Late September

Kody Funderburk, LHP
Injury: Left oblique strain
Funderburk has been on the IL since July 21 after he felt his oblique bother him while playing catch. He told reporters the expected timeline for his injury was six to eight weeks. Caleb Thielbar and Steve Okert have been the team’s main left-handed bullpen options. Minnesota was rumored to be in the market for a lefty at the trade deadline but added Richards, a righty with reverse splits. Minnesota needs more bullpen depth, and Funderburk will get an opportunity before the season ends. Return Timeline: Late September

Chris Paddack, RHP
Injury: Right forearm strain
Paddack was expected to be the veteran at the back of the rotation, but injuries have impacted his return from his second Tommy John surgery. He was placed on the IL after feeling tightness in his elbow while throwing during the All-Star break. In early July, he missed time with a dead arm and shoulder fatigue. Young pitchers like Simeon Woods Richardson and David Festa have stepped into the rotation in Paddack’s absence. There are no guarantees that Paddack will pitch again this season, and it might need to be in a bullpen role. Return Timeline: Potentially Mid-to-Late September

Kyle Farmer, IF
Injury: Right shoulder strain
Farmer dealt with a shoulder issue throughout much of the first half before being placed on the IL on July 11. His offensive performance was greatly impacted in the first half, so getting him fully healthy might help the team for the stretch run. The Twins have used other players around the infield, like Lee, Castro, and Jose Miranda. Initially, the Twins expected Farmer to return by late July, so his return could be imminent. Return Timeline: Mid-August

Justin Topa, RHP
Injury: Left patellar tendinitis
Topa is on the brink of returning to the Twins. He’s made multiple successful rehab appearances with the Saints. He is pitching through a partial tear of a muscle in his knee that could require surgery in the future. Last season, he was a critical late-inning bullpen option for the Mariners, so he could be one of the key reasons the Twins didn’t overpay for a reliever at the trade deadline. Return Timeline: Early August

Which player will return from injury first? Which injury return will significantly impact the roster for the stretch run? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

 

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[Patzky]

I don't want to feel that we'd require him but I have a funny feeling Kyle Farmer is going to help this team get into the playoffs.

[Brandon]

With Joe Ryan getting injured we can always turn to Rich Hill who is available.  I don't know what it would take to sign him, but I doubt much.  

[NotAboutWinning]

Can Kyle Farmer be kept on rehab assignment until his MiLB batting average is above the Mendoza line?

[gregens]

1 hour ago, Patzky said:

I don't want to feel that we'd require him but I have a funny feeling Kyle Farmer is going to help this team get into the playoffs.

It's theoretically possible, but I agree it is a funny feeling.

[mikelink45]

Not much to look forward to.  The real question is - who is next?

[thelanges5]

Buck, Correa, and Lewis have only been in the starting lineup together 17 times this season. Shows the depth we have but hard to overcome that. 49 more games left in the season. 

[bean5302]

2 hours ago, Brandon said:

With Joe Ryan getting injured we can always turn to Rich Hill who is available.  I don't know what it would take to sign him, but I doubt much.  

Not aware of Hill having pitched anywhere this year. Blake Snell made it pretty apparent a pitcher needs to ramp up. I doubt hill would be ready before mid September. Zack Greinke was wishy washy on pitching, but same type of thing.

Honestly, I just don't see many options to replace a starter outside of our existing roster since the deadline has passed, and it'll take weeks to ramp up anybody who hasn't already been pitching competitively. The only name(s) that come to mind have been blacklisted by MLB. The Mexican League's regular season just ended, but there are a couple guys who have pitched in MLB who had nice seasons there. Zac Grotz, Joe Wieland.

I really don't see that happening, but I don't think it'd necessarily be a horrible move to grab one of those guys on a MiLB deal if they'd want it.

[Brandon]

27 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Not aware of Hill having pitched anywhere this year. Blake Snell made it pretty apparent a pitcher needs to ramp up. I doubt hill would be ready before mid September. Zack Greinke was wishy washy on pitching, but same type of thing.

Honestly, I just don't see many options to replace a starter outside of our existing roster since the deadline has passed, and it'll take weeks to ramp up anybody who hasn't already been pitching competitively. The only name(s) that come to mind have been blacklisted by MLB. The Mexican League's regular season just ended, but there are a couple guys who have pitched in MLB who had nice seasons there. Zac Grotz, Joe Wieland.

I really don't see that happening, but I don't think it'd necessarily be a horrible move to grab one of those guys on a MiLB deal if they'd want it.

Rich Hill is getting interest from teams in contention as is.  And the other starting pitcher we could sign is Cole Irvin who was released from Baltimore after the trade deadline.  Not much but I figure if Ryan goes down for a while then we need an option.  Otherwise it’s between Dobnak and Varland.  

[Fatbat]

Trevor Bauer is available.

[Riverbrian]

In the off-season Twinsdaily posters and writers speak of log jams.

At the trade deadline the front office speaks of liking this team and not really needing anything. 

We have an article here that talks about players returning which is great yet injuries to come are going to come and these injuries will negate the gains of this group of returning. 

On August 3rd Last year... 3 days after not doing anything at the the trade deadline. The contract of Dallas Kuechel was selected and on August 4th... just 4 days after not doing anything at the trade deadline. Jordan Luplow was signed off waivers. 

 

 

[Doctor Gast]

11 hours ago, Brandon said:

With Joe Ryan getting injured we can always turn to Rich Hill who is available.  I don't know what it would take to sign him, but I doubt much.  

Hill is a smart pitcher with a ton of experience, I'd have liked to sign him before now as SP depth (because it'll take a little while to get him ramped up) & a great mentor for our SPs. 

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

Apparently, our old friend, Emilio Pagan had tightness in his triceps and was back in a couple of weeks. Best case scenario for Joe? Also of note, the Dodgers' pitcher that was initially diagnosed with the triceps injury actually had a rotator cuff problem so he may no be an apt comparison.

Rocco's post-game presser as well as Ryan's demeanor (per the beat writers) could possibly hint at the injury not being season-ending.

[Patzky]

17 hours ago, gregens said:

It's theoretically possible, but I agree it is a funny feeling.

As in funny awkward or funny haha..

[USAFChief]

2 minutes ago, Patzky said:

As in funny awkward or funny haha..

Yes.

[Doctor Gast]

I was hoping so much that we'd have Correa in the CLE series. Kinda bummed that it appears that it won't happen

[Rufus]

On 8/7/2024 at 9:27 PM, bean5302 said:

Not aware of Hill having pitched anywhere this year. Blake Snell made it pretty apparent a pitcher needs to ramp up. I doubt hill would be ready before mid September. Zack Greinke was wishy washy on pitching, but same type of thing.

Honestly, I just don't see many options to replace a starter outside of our existing roster since the deadline has passed, and it'll take weeks to ramp up anybody who hasn't already been pitching competitively. The only name(s) that come to mind have been blacklisted by MLB. The Mexican League's regular season just ended, but there are a couple guys who have pitched in MLB who had nice seasons there. Zac Grotz, Joe Wieland.

I really don't see that happening, but I don't think it'd necessarily be a horrible move to grab one of those guys on a MiLB deal if they'd want it.

Rich Hill is auditioning for teams today.   Hopefully the Twins will take a look

[Original_JB]

Well, you can adjust Stewart's "return timeline" to "Spring 2025"

[Craig Arko]

Lotta gut punches today.

[DJL44]

On 8/8/2024 at 7:23 AM, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

Apparently, our old friend, Emilio Pagan had tightness in his triceps and was back in a couple of weeks. Best case scenario for Joe? Also of note, the Dodgers' pitcher that was initially diagnosed with the triceps injury actually had a rotator cuff problem so he may no be an apt comparison.

Rocco's post-game presser as well as Ryan's demeanor (per the beat writers) could possibly hint at the injury not being season-ending.

The MRI says otherwise. "Weeks to months" of recovery. Ryan's season is probably done.

[DJL44]

46 minutes ago, Original_JB said:

Well, you can adjust Stewart's "return timeline" to "Spring 2025"

With his injury history and age it could be career ending. Scoping a shoulder is always bad news for a pitcher.

[Original_JB]

3 hours ago, DJL44 said:

With his injury history and age it could be career ending. Scoping a shoulder is always bad news for a pitcher.

True that.

[Brandon]

5 hours ago, Rufus said:

Rich Hill is auditioning for teams today.   Hopefully the Twins will take a look

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/08/twins-rumors-rich-hill.html
 

they are looking

[Riverbrian]

On 8/8/2024 at 6:59 AM, Riverbrian said:

In the off-season Twinsdaily posters and writers speak of log jams.

At the trade deadline the front office speaks of liking this team and not really needing anything. 

We have an article here that talks about players returning which is great yet injuries to come are going to come and these injuries will negate the gains of this group of returning. 

On August 3rd Last year... 3 days after not doing anything at the the trade deadline. The contract of Dallas Kuechel was selected and on August 4th... just 4 days after not doing anything at the trade deadline. Jordan Luplow was signed off waivers. 

 

 

Just an addition to this post. On August 7th just 7 days after doing nothing at the deadline. Joe Ryan suffers a long term injury. Ladies and Gentlemen… this is why Buyers Buy. More injuries to come. 

[nicksaviking]

19 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Just an addition to this post. On August 7th just 7 days after doing nothing at the deadline. Joe Ryan suffers a long term injury. Ladies and Gentlemen… this is why Buyers Buy. More injuries to come. 

Still, winners shop on 5th Avenue, losers shop at K-Mart, and we all know the Twins would have been browsing Blue Light Specials even if they were going to be buyers.