Minnesota's Biggest July Acquisitions Might Be Three Players Returning From Injuries

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of William Parmeter

The first half of the 2025 season has tested the Twins' depth, and while the team has managed to stay afloat in the standings, the reinforcements arriving after the All-Star Break might give them the boost they need to make a second-half push. Right-hander Zebby Matthews, infielder Luke Keaschall, and starter Bailey Ober are all trending toward returns over the next week. Each could play a critical role as Minnesota tries to decide the club's long-term direction.

Let’s take a look at each player’s progress and what their return could mean for the Twins.

Zebby Matthews: From Breakout to Big-League Ready
When Matthews landed on the injured list with a right shoulder strain in early June, the Twins lost a sophomore who had started to turn heads with his command and poise. Last season’s breaking pitching prospect had allowed seven earned runs over his last 16 innings with a 20-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio. 

The 25-year-old was just beginning to make his case as a long-term piece in the rotation, and now he may be right back in the mix. In his lone outing with Triple-A St. Paul last Sunday, Matthews looked as sharp as ever, striking out nine batters over four shutout innings. His fastball had life, his changeup had fade, and his breaking ball looked crisp.

Matthews took the mound for the Twins on Saturday in Colorado with the team in a must-win game after falling flat in the second half opener. He pitched four innings, allowing five runs on eight eights. Last season, the Twins saw Simeon Woods Richardson provided a lift to the team when the rotation was in shambles. Now, Matthews has an opportunity to do the same. It’s also a critical development with Ober’s health still in flux and trade deadline decisions looming.

Luke Keaschall: A Different Kind of Deadline Addition
When Keaschall fractured his forearm in late April, he was in the midst of an impressive breakout campaign between Triple-A St. Paul and the big leagues. In seven games with the Twins, he went 7-for-19 with three doubles, five steals, and more walks (5) than strikeouts (2). His absence has been felt especially as the Twins have struggled to find consistent production from the line up.

Keaschall began a rehab assignment at Triple-A St. Paul on Friday. He was the team's leadoff hitter and played DH in his first start. He finished the night 1-for-5 with a critical RBI in the ninth inning to add an insurance run. Minnesota will want him to get into multiple rehab games but it’s nice to know he will impact games in August and September. 

While it remains to be seen whether Keaschall will step right into a starting role, his right-handed bat and on-base ability could prove valuable, especially if the front office decides to trade from the infield surplus (Willi Castro, Ty France, etc.) or make a move at the deadline. Keaschall returning healthy gives them options, and the Twins love options.

Bailey Ober: Mechanical Tweaks and the Path Back
Perhaps the most impactful player nearing a return is Ober. After a rocky stretch in June, Ober was placed on the IL with a left hip impingement. His velocity had dipped and his mechanics seemed off, raising questions about whether an injury was lingering. It turns out, something was. But now? Things are trending in the right direction and he's made his first rehab appearance on Friday. 

In his start, Ober retired eight of the final nine men he faced and went four shutout innings allowing four hits while striking out three. He threw 50 pitches, 43 strikes. He threw 18 fastballs with an average velocity of 90.1 mpg and topping out at 91.6 mph. The Twins had few options for the rotation in June so they continued to send him out there despite his poor performance. 

If all goes well, he could return before the end of July, adding a reliable arm to a rotation that’s been held together by duct tape and rookie adrenaline. With the trade deadline just over two weeks away, having clarity on Ober’s health will be vital. The Twins don’t need to overpay for a starter if they feel confident in Matthews and Ober returning to form.

The All-Star Break is a time to reset and for the Twins to reload. With Matthews, Keaschall, and Ober all trending in the right direction, the Twins may be getting back more than just rest. They’re getting back three potential contributors, each of whom could play a pivotal role in the second half.

And in a season where the margin for error is slim, internal additions like these might be just as important as any trade deadline splash. 

Who will have the most significant impact on the Twins in the second half? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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[Patzky]

Article is 48 hours late..

[CRF]

I don't think they're going to be buyers or sellers...maybe a dumpster dive or two just to show that they're willing to do something. The players coming back from injuries, is going to be the F.O.'s line about "acquisitions". Nothing will change here until another ownership group comes in. 

[Rosterman]

I would hope Luke could solve the DH problems. But the Twins, quite frankly, could replace Castro, Bader, Kiersey, Visquez, France and probably even Wallner/or Larnach with guys from their system that will perform equally as good... IF THE TWINS CHOOSE NOT TO BE COMPETITIVE for the rest of the season.

Ober fixed? That is a plus. I feel Ober is the one Twins starter then might be able to extend (see Ryan wanting to walk as a free agent if the Twins won't get him wins, of the Twins need to pay $150m to him). 

The others will be better next season with Ohl in the wings. If not competitive, the Twins can sell on Coulombe, get anything they can for Paddack, and I guess take another look at Davis, Gillespie, Tonkin and Fundeburk if they wish, and maybe even Dobnak, for all the few in the stands as the season winds down will care.

[D.C Twins]

oh no.... not this narrative again.... an ol' Twins FO favorite!

[mikelink45]

We have had players return from injuries every year.  When did it make a positive difference to the teams record at the end of the season.

[ziggy]

Pablo will be the most important player to return.

[Doctor Wu]

9 hours ago, ziggy said:

Pablo will be the most important player to return.

I was just going to mention Pablo, wondering why he was omitted from the article. Having him back in the rotation should be a big plus. 

[Whitey333]

Nothing changes with the Twins.  I think they will wind up making g some minor moves.  Nothing big .  Matthew's has proven very little at t g e major league level.  His ERA this year is over 6.  He's a Pitching body at this point.  Keaschall did well in his very limited major league run but it's just a few at bats.  Ober obviously is the key.  But Twins need a lot more than Ober getting back to normal to be successful.  Twins just keep proving they don't have nearly the depth in the minor leagues they keep boasting about.  The Saints used to be a fun alternative.  Now they are just as boring as the Twins.

[LA Vikes Fan]

This team isn’t going anywhere this year in all likelihood. Why complain about the FO not making acquisitions? This pig needs no lipstick.

The rest of this year is about seeing if we have enough to contend next year. Through that lens, these 3 coming back are very important. Is Keaschall a starting 2B or 1B next year because he can hit? Are Ober and Matthews 2 of the 5 starters with Lopez, Ryan, and SWR/Festa? Both critical questions to be answered. So if this year is to see for next year, very important returns. As for contending this year, meh, not so much. 

[Danchat]

Is Zebby actually ready for the major league level? I'm not opposed to him getting major league experience now, but he's been bad after not pitching a whole lot in the high minors.

Seeing healthy Ober back in the rotation would be great. You'd like to not have to go into 2026 with Ober as a question mark.

[Major League Ready]

2 hours ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

This team isn’t going anywhere this year in all likelihood. Why complain about the FO not making acquisitions? This pig needs no lipstick.

The rest of this year is about seeing if we have enough to contend next year. Through that lens, these 3 coming back are very important. Is Keaschall a starting 2B or 1B next year because he can hit? Are Ober and Matthews 2 of the 5 starters with Lopez, Ryan, and SWR/Festa? Both critical questions to be answered. So if this year is to see for next year, very important returns. As for contending this year, meh, not so much. 

A lot of us are there with you.  There are many questions but we do have potential answers.  It's time to figure out which players are part of the solution.  Martin is looking better than ever at AAA.  It is important to determine if Sabato or Julien can take over at 1B.   Keaschall could take over the Castro one of them is the primary 1B.  Keaschall could play 1B against lefties and play virtually everyday at either 2B or OF.  I am still not sure what to think of Kody Clemmens and they need to figure out if Lewis is a star or a pumpkin.  Maybe they get a look at Eeles as well.

At least it would be interesting to watch!