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      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins are getting a useful piece of their roster back at an important time of the season. The Twins activated Austin Martin from the 10-day injured list Thursday afternoon, putting the versatile outfielder back in the lineup after he missed nearly a month with a left hamstring strain.

      Martin's last appearance came on August 16, when he injured the hamstring trying to track down a fly ball near the left-field line. The Twins appear satisfied that he is ready to return after a brief rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul.

      Martin appeared in two games for the Saints earlier this week, going 3-for-8 with a triple and three RBIs. Rehab statistics don't carry much weight when evaluating a player, but seeing Martin run the bases and play in games without an apparent setback was an important step following a hamstring injury.

      Now, the Twins need to figure out how to use him. Martin isn't going to transform the Minnesota offense by himself. He is hitting .241 with three home runs, 21 RBIs and a .686 OPS, good for a 95 OPS+, across 110 games this season.

      Finding Martin At-Bats

      The Twins already have a crowded outfield, which means bringing Martin back creates another roster puzzle for Shelton.  One potential solution is splitting time between Martin and Trevor Larnach. Larnach has been mired in an extended slump that dates back roughly a month, making it difficult to justify running him out there every day regardless of the matchup.

      Martin's return gives Shelton the ability to mix and match. That doesn't mean Martin needs to become an everyday player. His defensive versatility allows him to move around the outfield, and his ability to handle multiple spots gives the Twins flexibility from one game to the next.

      At this point in the season, that flexibility matters. Martin may not be the answer to all of those problems, but getting him healthy gives Minnesota another competent option and lengthens the lineup. The hope is that Martin can find a rhythm quickly and provide a spark over the final weeks.

      Gonzalez Heads Back to St. Paul

      To make room for Martin, the Twins optioned outfielder Gabriel Gonzalez to Triple-A St. Paul. Gonzalez appeared in seven games with Minnesota this season but received only eight at-bats. He went 2-for-8, with his other plate appearance resulting in a hit by pitch.

      That's hardly enough time to make a meaningful evaluation. Sending Gonzalez back to St. Paul makes sense if the Twins aren't going to give him regular playing time. Sitting on the bench at the major-league level doesn't do much for a young player who needs consistent at-bats.

      Gonzalez remains an interesting piece for the Twins moving forward. He could potentially compete for a fourth-outfielder role next season, or find himself in the mix for a larger role if injuries or poor performance create an opening. But the Twins need to see more from him before making that decision. The final games of the season should give Gonzalez an opportunity to play regularly and show the organization what he can do. Strong performance could strengthen his case for a role in Minnesota. 

      For now, though, the focus returns to Martin. The Twins have another versatile defender, another left-field option and another bat capable of moving around the lineup. Martin may not be a star, but players who can do a little bit of everything become especially valuable when a team is trying to navigate the final stretch of a long season.

      Getting him healthy was the first step. Now Shelton needs to find a way to put him to work.

       

      Cody Christie

      On Monday, the Twins returned Joe Ryan from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 15-day injured list, officially putting one of their most important starting pitchers back on the active roster. To make room, Minnesota optioned right-handed reliever Garrett Acton to Triple-A St. Paul.

      Ryan's return comes at a time when the Twins don't have much left to play for in the standings, but there is still plenty of value in getting their All-Star right-hander back on the mound before the season comes to an end.

      Ryan completed a three-inning rehab start for St. Paul on Tuesday night in Omaha. He threw 42 pitches, with 29 finding the strike zone. He also threw roughly 10 additional pitches in the bullpen after completing his scheduled work. That was enough for the Twins to feel comfortable moving forward.

      Ryan also threw a bullpen session over the weekend in Chicago, and the organization ultimately gave him the green light to return to the roster for the team's series against Detroit. The Twins have a TBD scheduled for Monday’s afternoon game in Detroit, so Ryan could take that spot in the rotation. 

      The rehab outing certainly wasn't perfect, but it accomplished what Ryan and the Twins wanted. He got back on the mound, worked through multiple innings and came out of the outing feeling good.

      Ryan's fastball velocity sat around 91-92 mph in Omaha. That's noticeably below the 93.4 mph average he has carried this season. For a pitcher like Ryan, whose effectiveness comes from command, deception and the ability to locate his pitches rather than overpower hitters, a drop in velocity is worth monitoring.

      The conditions in Omaha were extremely hot, and Ryan acknowledged that he wasn't trying to reach back for the same velocity he would during a regular-season Major League start. The goal was to work through his pitches and make sure his body responded well to the outing. More importantly, Ryan came away encouraged by the quality of his pitches. That's the part the Twins should care about most.

      And the Twins could certainly use him. Getting him back gives the organization another opportunity to evaluate what its pitching staff can look like heading into 2027. It also provides Ryan with a chance to finish his season on a positive note after an interrupted campaign.

      Acton's departure is the corresponding roster move. He appeared in seven games for Minnesota this season, allowing seven earned runs across 11 innings. He struck out 14 batters but also issued six walks.

      His numbers in Triple-A tell a different story. Acton owns a 2.55 ERA with 23 strikeouts and just eight walks across 17 2/3 innings for St. Paul. He has shown enough there to remain a potential bullpen option for the Twins, particularly as the organization continues evaluating its pitching depth.

      For now, though, the attention shifts back to Ryan. And after watching the Twins navigate the final stretch of the season without one of their best starters, that return can't come soon enough.

      Cory Moen

      The Twins released OF Kyler Fedko after he was designated for assignment on September 1. Fedko made his major league debut earlier this year, playing in 14 games at the major league level. In those 14 games, he had 16 at-bats but did not get his first major league hit.

      Fedko did walk twice and has one RBI to go along with eight strikeouts in 19 plate appearances. He played 75 games with Triple-A St. Paul, with a slash line of .274/.362/.545, good for a .908 OPS with 17 home runs and 10 stolen bases.

      Fedko has signed a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates and will rehab his torn ACL in Bradenton, where the Pirates' Single-A team plays. 

       

      Cody Christie

      Joe Ryan’s return to the Minnesota Twins’ rotation may be close. After completing a three-inning rehab start with Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday night, Ryan appears to have put himself in position to potentially make his return to the Twins before the middle of September. Manager Derek Shelton acknowledged Wednesday that the possibility of Ryan starting during the team’s upcoming road trip to Chicago and Detroit is being discussed.

      “I think it’s on the table,” Shelton said. “I wouldn’t say 50-50, one way or another, but I don’t think it’s completely off the table.”

      That represents a significant step forward for a pitcher the Twins have been without since early August.

      Ryan threw 42 pitches during Tuesday’s outing in Omaha, with 29 of those pitches finding the strike zone. He then added roughly 10 additional pitches in the bullpen. If everything continues to progress as planned, Ryan could be stretched beyond 60 pitches and potentially work four or five innings in his next appearance.

      Before that happens, Ryan is expected to throw a bullpen session this weekend, most likely while the Twins are in Chicago. His next competitive outing would then likely come either with St. Paul or with Minnesota a couple of days later. That timeline could put a Major League return firmly within reach.

      The Velocity Question

      One of the most notable aspects of Ryan’s rehab appearance was his fastball velocity. Ryan sat around 91-92 mph with his fastball in Omaha, well below his 93.4 mph average for the season. On the surface, that could be viewed as a potential concern for a pitcher whose margin for error is already relatively small.

      Neither Ryan nor Shelton seemed particularly worried about the radar gun, however. The conditions in Omaha were extremely hot, and Ryan acknowledged that he wasn't trying to reach back for the same kind of velocity he would during a regular-season Major League start. More importantly, he came away encouraged by the overall quality of his pitches.

      That will be the bigger takeaway as Ryan continues building back toward a full workload. After all, velocity wasn't the only issue Ryan was dealing with before landing on the injured list.

      A Tale of Two Seasons

      Ryan's first half was everything the Twins could have hoped for. He looked like a legitimate frontline starter, posting an ERA below 3.00 and earning his second career All-Star selection. Then something changed after the All-Star break.

      Ryan lost all three of his starts following the break and allowed 17 runs over his final 15 1/3 innings. His strikeout numbers also dropped considerably, with just 10 strikeouts against his final 73 batters faced.

      His final start before the injured list provided another clue. Ryan's four-seam fastball averaged just 92.1 mph that day, his lowest average in a start since early May and more than a mile per hour below his season average.

      An Important Addition for September

      Minnesota's postseason chances may be slim, but Ryan's return still carries plenty of importance. The Twins need to determine what their rotation looks like moving forward, and getting Ryan back on the mound would provide valuable information heading into the offseason. 

      The immediate goal isn't necessarily to see Ryan return and suddenly become the first-half ace he was. It's to see the fastball tick back up, watch his delivery become more consistent and allow him to rebuild the foundation that made him so effective before the All-Star break.

      And if Ryan continues moving in the right direction, his return to the Twins' rotation may not have to wait as long as initially anticipated.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      With rosters formally expanding to 28 on Tuesday, the Minnesota Twins made the move official and added a familiar face.

      Shortstop Ben Ross had his contract selected from Triple-A St. Paul and will be making his MLB debut, while right-handed reliever Garrett Acton was also called up from the Saints. To make room for Ross on the 40-man roster, outfielder Kyler Fedko was designated for assignment.

      Ross' addition was known before rosters expanded Tuesday. The 25-year-old has a .274/.378/.506 slash line with 20 homers and 71 RBIs over 118 games between Double-A Wichita and Triple-A St. Paul.

      Acton has pitched in four games this season for the Twins, allowing five runs (two earned) over 6⅔ innings.

      Fedko made his MLB debut with the Twins this year, appearing in 14 games but going 0-for-16 with a run scored and an RBI. He did walk twice and struck out eight times.

       

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins have spent much of the 2026 season trying to keep Byron Buxton on the field. Once again, they have been unable to do it.

      Buxton was placed on the 10-day injured list over the weekend with a right hip impingement, marking his third IL stint of the season related to hip issues. Minnesota made the move ahead of Sunday's game against the Chicago White Sox, calling up outfielder Gabriel Gonzalez from Triple-A St. Paul.

      At this point, the problem isn't simply that Buxton is missing games. The bigger concern is that the issue could follow him into the offseason and require surgery.

      Buxton hinted Wednesday that he would eventually need to work with the Twins' training staff to develop a plan for addressing his hip during the offseason. General manager Jeremy Zoll took that possibility a step further Friday, telling reporters that a surgical procedure remains on the table.

      “(It’s) definitely a potential option as we sort through everything,” Zoll said. “It would be some type of hip procedure, but not at that point right now. … (We) just need to see how these symptoms progress over this next stretch, and then we’ll continue to assess options.”

      That doesn't mean Buxton is headed for surgery. The Twins aren't at that point yet, and there is still time for the symptoms to improve. But the fact that surgery has entered the conversation is significant.

      Buxton has dealt with his share of physical setbacks throughout his career, and the Twins have become increasingly careful about managing his workload. This season was supposed to provide another opportunity for the veteran to put together a lengthy stretch of games. Instead, the hip has continued to interrupt his season.

      Manager Derek Shelton's comments Sunday reflected the frustration surrounding the situation.

      “We can’t just magically snap our fingers and all of a sudden it’s the Jetsons and he’s healthy,” Shelton said. “If he could, it would be a lot cooler that way … in terms of it just automatically getting better. We just need to give it time.”

      Unfortunately for the Twins, time has been a difficult solution with Buxton's hip. The three-time All-Star has still produced when he's been available, hitting .254 with 25 home runs and 46 RBIs across 93 games. He was on pace to reach 100 games for the third consecutive season, something he has accomplished only four times in his 12-year career.

      That availability matters as much as the production. Minnesota's offense has relied heavily on Buxton's power and ability to change a game with one swing. His presence in the lineup also impacts how opposing pitchers approach the rest of the order. When he's healthy, the Twins are a different team.

      That's why the next few weeks could be important beyond simply determining whether Buxton returns this season. The Twins need to learn whether rest and rehabilitation can get him back to full strength or whether a more permanent solution is necessary.

      For a Twins team trying to figure out what comes next, finding a way to get its best players consistently onto the field remains one of the biggest challenges. And right now, Buxton's hip is at the center of that conversation.

      Cody Christie

      Joe Ryan is finally getting closer to a return, but the most important part of Tuesday’s rehab start in Omaha won’t necessarily be the results. It will be how he feels. Ryan is scheduled to pitch for Triple-A St. Paul as they begin a road series in Omaha after receiving the all-clear following a brief bullpen session Sunday morning. The right-hander has been on the 15-day injured list since Aug. 6 with a mild left glute strain.

      That injury is likely the cause for Ryan’s second half struggles, but it also gives the Twins an opportunity to reset one of their most important players before the final month of the season.

      The right-hander had struggled through three starts following the All-Star break and acknowledged that he was having difficulty repeating his delivery. That was the bigger concern.

      Ryan wasn't simply getting hit harder than usual. Something didn't look right. His mechanics weren't as consistent, his velocity dipped and the results quickly followed.

      Now, he believes he's moving in the right direction.

      "Facing hitters was the biggest one, right?" Ryan told reporters after Wednesday's live batting practice. "I haven't done that in a second, and then I haven't really done that feeling like I have control over my body and not compensating for a couple, a little bit longer than that. So good to just get out there and feel a little bit more free."

      That feeling of freedom might be the most important statistic for Ryan right now.

      A Dramatic Second-Half Turn

      Ryan looked like an ace during the first half of the season. He posted a sub-3.00 ERA and earned his second All-Star selection, continuing to establish himself as one of the most reliable pieces of Minnesota's rotation.

      Then the calendar flipped. Ryan has allowed 17 runs over his last 15 1/3 innings. He has struck out just 10 of his last 73 opponents. The Twins lost all three of his starts following the All-Star break.

      His fastball told part of the story. Ryan's four-seam fastball averaged just 92.1 mph in his final start before landing on the injured list. That's his lowest average in a start since early May and more than a full mile per hour below his 93.4 mph season average.

      For a pitcher who relies heavily on command and deception, even a small decline in velocity can make a significant difference. When that velocity drop comes alongside trouble repeating a delivery, it becomes much easier to understand why Ryan wasn't producing the same results.

      Another Test for Ryan

      There have been a few warning signs surrounding Ryan's health this season.

      He missed time during Spring Training because of lower back discomfort. In May, he exited a start after just one-third of an inning because of elbow pain. Six days later, he returned to pitch one of his best games of the season. His most recent start before going on the injured list was also pushed back three days because of what was described as arm fatigue. 

      None of those situations necessarily point to one major problem. But taken together, they make Ryan's current recovery more important than simply getting him through a minor-league outing.

      The Twins need to know that Ryan's body is allowing him to execute the delivery he has used so effectively throughout his career. Tuesday's game in Omaha should provide that opportunity.

      The results won't matter nearly as much as the process. Can Ryan repeat his delivery? Does his fastball have its usual life? Can he attack hitters without compensating for his lower body? Most importantly, does he finish the outing feeling like himself?

      Ryan appears to be making progress, and his comments after facing live hitters suggest he finally feels more in control of his body. That's encouraging. Now, the Twins need to see that feeling translate to the mound in Omaha.

       

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins have spent much of the season searching for answers on the pitching staff. Injuries and inconsistency have forced the organization to move pitchers between the rotation, bullpen, and minor leagues, creating plenty of roster movement along the way.

      Kendry Rojas could soon give the Twins another option. Rojas suffered a mild right oblique strain on August 21 during a start for the St. Paul Saints. He exited after just two innings, creating some concern about whether the injury would end his season. However, general manager Jeremy Zoll provided encouraging news over the weekend.

      Rojas could throw a bullpen session as early as this week, with the Twins hopeful that he can return to game action by the middle of September. There is one significant change coming, though. The organization doesn't expect him to have enough time to build back up as a starting pitcher.

      “Where we're at calendar-wise, not expecting to be able to stretch him back out at this point,” Zoll said. “If he does get back into game action, it'll probably be a two-inning outing for his first go, and we'll go from there.”

      That could still be valuable for the Twins.

      Rojas Has Already Shown Enough

      Rojas has made a strong first impression during his first taste of the major leagues. Across 12 appearances, including four starts, he has posted a 3.34 ERA with 34 strikeouts over 29 2/3 innings. His 26.2% strikeout rate is particularly encouraging. Rojas has shown the ability to miss bats against major-league hitters, and Minnesota has already demonstrated its willingness to use him in different roles.

      The biggest concern has been his control. Rojas has issued 22 walks in his limited major-league sample, resulting in a 16.9% walk rate. That's a number the Twins will want to see improve, especially if he's going to work in shorter outings where free passes can quickly create problems.

      Still, the walk issues haven't been nearly as pronounced throughout his minor-league career (8.3 BB% in 2026). That gives Minnesota some reason to believe the major-league number isn't necessarily representative of what Rojas will become. More importantly, the Twins have already seen that he can provide length.

      Another Multi-Inning Option

      Rojas returned to Triple-A following the trade deadline after Minnesota acquired Jeff Hoffman and added A.J. Minter to its pitching staff. Those additions created some difficult roster decisions, and Rojas ultimately went back to St. Paul.

      He resumed working as a starter, but that role is unlikely to continue if he makes it back to Minnesota this season. Instead, Rojas could become another multi-inning weapon for a pitching staff that has needed plenty of them.

      That type of role would also allow Minnesota to manage his workload carefully. Rather than immediately asking him to handle a starter's workload after an oblique injury, the Twins can ease him back into competition while still getting meaningful innings from his arm.

      September rosters aren't what they used to be, but every healthy arm can matter during the final weeks of a season. The key will be making sure the oblique injury doesn't linger. Rojas has already shown he can handle multiple innings in the majors. If his oblique cooperates, the Twins could see what he looks like in shorter outings where he can amp up his velocity.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      For the third time this season, a cranky right hip has sidelined Byron Buxton.

      The star center fielder was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday by the Minnesota Twins with a right hip impingement. Outfielder Gabriel Gonzalez was called up from Triple-A St. Paul.

      Buxton, an All-Star, also went on the IL on July 6 and July 29 with the right hip issue. When on the field, Buxton has a slash line of .254/.319/.511 with 25 homers and 46 RBIs. But the hip injury has hindered him at the plate and in the field. Buxton has not homered since June 22.

      Gonzalez came up briefly at the end of May to make his MLB debut and went 1-for-2 before being sent back to Triple-A, where he has a .254/.318/.423 slash line with 15 homers and 51 RBIs in 106 games.

       

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins made it official Friday, selecting the contract of outfielder Walker Jenkins and bringing one of the organization’s most anticipated prospects to the major leagues. The move was reported Thursday, but Minnesota officially announced the promotion Friday.

      To make room for Jenkins on the active roster, the Twins optioned outfielder Alan Roden to Triple-A St. Paul. Minnesota also needed to clear a spot on its 40-man roster, designating right-handed pitcher Woo-Suk Go for assignment.

      For the Twins, the move marks the arrival of a player who has been viewed as a cornerstone of the organization since he was selected fifth overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. Jenkins has continued to establish himself as one of baseball’s top prospects throughout his professional career. Across multiple minor-league levels, he has compiled a .303/.404/.490 batting line.

      His plate discipline has been particularly impressive. Jenkins has posted a 13.4% walk rate while striking out just 15.9% of the time. His 144 wRC+ shows just how productive he has been offensively, as he has performed 44% better than league average.

      The 21-year-old also brings plenty of ability beyond the batter’s box. Jenkins has good speed and a strong throwing arm and is considered a capable defender at all three outfield positions. That versatility could give the Twins multiple options for how they use him during the final weeks of the season.

      Jenkins’ promotion comes as Minnesota attempts to remain in the American League playoff race. The Twins have struggled to find consistency throughout the season, but the arrival of one of their best young players gives the club another option as it navigates the final month.

      There will naturally be an adjustment period for Jenkins as he faces major-league pitching for the first time. However, his minor-league track record gives the Twins plenty of reason to believe he can contribute immediately.

      For Roden, the move provides an opportunity to get regular playing time in St. Paul. The Twins acquired Roden as part of last year's trade involving Louis Varland, and he has remained part of the organization's plans despite struggling to establish himself offensively in Minnesota. He has received limited playing time in recent weeks, making just 10 starts in August.

      Roden is hitting .254/.333/.313 this season, producing a .647 OPS and an 84 OPS+. Sending him to Triple-A should allow Roden to get consistent at-bats and continue developing rather than spending extended periods on the major-league bench.

      The Twins' 40-man roster move ends Go’s brief run with the organization, at least for now. Minnesota took a chance on the 28-year-old right-hander earlier this season after he opted out of his contract with the Detroit Tigers organization. Go joined the Twins hoping to provide another option for a bullpen that has undergone significant changes throughout the season.

      Go appeared in four games for Minnesota in July, allowing four runs. He posted a 3.91 ERA between Triple-A Toledo and St. Paul this season, although his numbers were much different between the two stops. Go struggled significantly in Toledo, posting a 12.54 ERA, before pitching better after joining the Saints.

      His time in St. Paul also included a 10-game suspension after he was found to have an illegal substance on his glove. Now, Go will head to the waiver wire following Minnesota’s decision to designate him for assignment.

      Those roster moves, however, are secondary to the biggest news of the day for the Twins. After more than three years of development, Jenkins has officially reached the major leagues. The former fifth overall pick is at Target Field, giving the organization an opportunity to see one of its most important young players against major-league competition. The next chapter of Jenkins’ career begins now.

      Cody Christie

      For most players, playing catch is about as routine as it gets. For Pablo López, it represented something much bigger.

      After spending the first several months of the season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, López finally picked up a baseball and started throwing again Friday at Petco Park. It was a small session, with the Twins right-hander working from approximately 30 to 45 feet.

      But after everything López has been through, it was a significant moment.

      “It felt good, and what a place to do it, San Diego is perfect,” López said. “It was nerve wracking. I felt like I was warming up to throw a postseason game, because they let me do my normal pre-throw routine, which I had to figure out on the spot. I was trying to remember. So I went through some muscle memory, transitioned from one station to the other. But once I got out there, I was able to just feel the arm path. From such a short distance, 30-45 feet, there’s not going to be a lot of air under the ball. It’s really just getting into a good rhythm, feeling your tempo.”

      That first throwing session came after López received clearance from Dr. Keith Meister, who performed the right-hander’s second Tommy John surgery on February 25. Meister met with López in Texas earlier this month and gave him the green light to begin the throwing program he had been waiting to start.

      López's last throw before Friday came on February 16, when he was attempting to work through his first live batting-practice session of spring training. That session was cut short by right elbow soreness, leading to an MRI that revealed significant damage to his ulnar collateral ligament. After seeking a second opinion from Meister, López underwent surgery later that month.

      Now, the process of working his way back has finally entered a new phase.

      “It’s not a small step,” said Twins manager Derek Shelton. “It is a large step because his arm was moving forward and there was a baseball that came out of it. I mean, even though it was 30 feet and 45 feet, I think it was very encouraging. He left with a smile.”

      Shelton wasn't the only one smiling. López described the session as nerve-wracking, which is understandable considering the circumstances. But once he got through the initial routine and began throwing, the focus shifted toward finding his rhythm and trusting his arm again.

      The next part of the rehab will involve gradually increasing both the distance and volume of López's throwing. Exactly when he moves to each stage will depend on how his arm responds and what Meister sees during future evaluations.

      López said he has a general idea of what the next steps could look like, but there is still plenty of uncertainty. His body will ultimately dictate the pace. That's particularly important given the history involved. This is the second Tommy John surgery of López's career. He previously underwent the procedure in 2014 while in the Seattle Mariners organization.

      The Twins acquired López from the Miami Marlins before the 2023 season for Luis Arraez, and he quickly became an important part at the top of the rotation. His return won't come soon enough for Minnesota, but the organization has been clear that there is no reason to rush the process.

      The goal is to have López healthy and ready to contribute in 2027. Friday didn't guarantee that outcome. It wasn't supposed to. It was simply the first throw. But after months of waiting, wondering and rehabbing, that first throw represented something López and the Twins hadn't seen since February: progress.

      And sometimes, after Tommy John surgery, progress is worth celebrating.

      Cody Christie

      Joe Ryan's return to the Minnesota Twins rotation took another step forward Tuesday afternoon. Nearly two weeks after being placed on the injured list with a mild left glute strain, Ryan climbed back onto the mound at Target Field for his first bullpen session since the injury. The session was brief — just 25 pitches — but it represented a meaningful checkpoint for a Twins rotation that desperately needs reinforcements.

      Ryan left the Twins shortly after his August 4 start against the Kansas City Royals to undergo an MRI. The examination revealed the glute strain, which has kept him sidelined since. While he has been cautious about the injury, Ryan said he has continued throwing regularly because he wanted to keep his arm moving.

      Tuesday marked the first time he tested the injured area from a pitching mound.

      “It’s a step in the right direction for sure,” Ryan said.

      For the Twins, that was exactly what they wanted to see.

      “Very encouraging,” manager Derek Shelton said before Tuesday's game against Atlanta. “He looked free and easy. He’s a very important part of our team. To see him out there and be healthy — (it’s the) first step in the progression to getting him back.”

      Ryan Tests the Glute

      Ryan's bullpen was intentionally limited. He threw 25 pitches, all fastballs and sinkers, as the Twins continued to ease him through the recovery process. The goal wasn't to recreate a normal bullpen session. It was to see how Ryan's body responded to pitching off the mound. So far, so good.

      “I think it’s good to get off the mound and see how we feel,” Ryan said. “Just check in that area and, yeah, just do my job out there.”

      Shelton emphasized that Ryan still has several steps to complete before the Twins can consider activating him. The next bullpen session should include breaking pitches, adding another layer to the physical test.

      “I think anytime a guy’s dealing with an injury, to be able to cross hurdles like that, it’s extremely important,” Shelton said. “We diagnose what we think the situation is. And then we treat it and then we take the step of him getting out on the mound.”

      A Much-Needed Rotation Boost

      Ryan has struggled since returning from the All-Star Game, posting a stretch that included three consecutive losses before the injury. In his final three starts before landing on the IL, he surrendered seven home runs and 16 earned runs across 15 1/3 innings.

      Now, the Twins are hoping the time away allows him to get healthy and return to something closer to the pitcher who earned All-Star honors in both 2025 and 2026. Ryan has gone 6-8 with a 3.65 ERA this season. He also represented the American League in this year's All-Star Game in Philadelphia, throwing a scoreless inning while allowing one hit and striking out two batters in the AL's 4-0 victory.

      Minnesota's rotation has not exactly provided much stability since the All-Star break. Entering Tuesday, Twins starters had posted a 5.81 ERA across 29 games since the break. That ranked 29th in baseball during that stretch. The rotation had also allowed 24 home runs while issuing 59 walks.

      Those numbers make Ryan's progression particularly important. The Twins remain in a crowded American League Wild Card race, and every quality starting pitcher becomes increasingly valuable as the schedule moves toward September. Minnesota doesn't need Ryan to return simply because he's one of its best starters. It needs him because the current rotation needs another reliable arm.

      Ryan's return won't solve every problem facing the Twins, but getting a healthy two-time All-Star back into the rotation could dramatically change their outlook. The first step is now complete. The next few will determine just how quickly Minnesota can get its ace back on a big-league mound.

      Cody Christie

      Butch Huskey, who spent parts of seven seasons in the majors and played his last season with Minnesota in 2000, has died at the age of 54. The New York Mets announced his death Friday. A cause of death was not included in the team's announcement, though Mets vice president of alumni relations Jay Horwitz told The Athletic's Tyler Kepner that Huskey died from a blood clot in his lung.

      A seventh-round selection by the Mets in the 1989 MLB Draft, Huskey reached the majors in 1993 and spent five seasons with New York. He also played for the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Twins and Colorado Rockies. Over his seven-year career, Huskey compiled a .267/.318/.442 slash line with 86 home runs, 98 doubles and 336 RBI. He was a versatile player who saw time at third base, first base and both corner outfield positions.

      His final season came with Minnesota. Huskey appeared in 64 games for the Twins in 2000, hitting .223/.306/.353 with five home runs and 13 doubles. In July, Minnesota traded him and Todd Walker to Colorado in July for Todd Sears and cash. The move to Colorado gave Huskey an opportunity to finish his career on an impressive note. He played 47 games for the Rockies and posted a remarkable .998 OPS before his major-league career came to an end.

      Wearing Jackie Robinson's Number

      Huskey is perhaps best remembered for being one of the final players to wear No. 42 after Major League Baseball retired the number across the sport in honor of Jackie Robinson. When Huskey began his major-league career, he wore No. 10. In 1995, however, he switched to No. 42 as a tribute to Robinson, a number he continued to wear with the Mets, Mariners and Twins.

      Then, on April 15, 1997, commissioner Bud Selig made one of baseball's most significant announcements at Shea Stadium. Robinson's No. 42 would be retired throughout Major League Baseball.

      Players already wearing the number were allowed to keep it for the remainder of their careers. That group included Yankees Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera, but Huskey was another prominent player who continued wearing Robinson's number during the transition.

      His decision to wear No. 42 wasn't something he took lightly. Huskey had learned about Robinson while he was in high school and made a promise to himself.

      "I told myself if I ever got a chance to play professional baseball, I would wear his number," he told the New York Daily News in 1997. "I think about it quite often … It means a lot to me just to be put in the same sentence with him."

      Huskey's Final Connection to the Twins

      Huskey wasn't the last player to wear No. 42 for Minnesota, either. Mike Jackson, a veteran relief pitcher who spent 17 seasons in the majors, wore the number during his time with the Twins in 2002. Jackson appeared in 58 games that season and posted a 3.27 ERA while contributing 1.2 rWAR to a Minnesota team that reached the ALCS.

      Huskey’s time in Minnesota was relatively short, but his seven-year major-league career provided plenty of memorable moments. Huskey was a powerful, versatile player who carved out a role across several positions, and his decision to wear Robinson's number gave his career an added historical significance.

      That makes Huskey's name a memorable one in both Mets and Twins history, even more than two decades after his final major-league appearance.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins had an unusual roster decision to make following Thursday’s Field of Dreams Game, and the solution was a familiar one. The club designated third catcher Alex Jackson for assignment, bringing its 40-man roster down to 39 players.

      The timing of the move was dictated by the unique circumstances surrounding Thursday’s matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies. Both teams were allowed to carry a 27th player for the game, essentially giving them the same roster flexibility they would have during a doubleheader. Minnesota used that extra spot to activate Byron Buxton from the 10-day injured list.

      That temporary roster advantage disappears Friday. The Twins needed to get back to a standard 26-man roster, and Jackson was the player caught in the numbers game. Because he is out of minor-league options, Minnesota could not simply send him back to Triple-A St. Paul without first exposing him to waivers.

      In many ways, this move has been coming for quite some time. Jackson was called up in May after Ryan Jeffers suffered a hamate fracture. He provided depth behind Victor Caratini while Jeffers recovered, giving Minnesota three catchers on the roster for a stretch of the season. Once Jeffers returned around the All-Star break, however, Jackson's role became increasingly difficult to justify.

      The Twins have a strong catching tandem with Jeffers and Caratini, and this is a team attempting to maximize every available roster spot during a playoff push. Jackson had not started a game since July 30 and had only one plate appearance in August before Thursday. There simply wasn't much opportunity available.

      Jackson's surface-level numbers this season were actually respectable. He hit .303 with one home run across 69 plate appearances, but the underlying numbers tell a much different story. He struck out 23 times while drawing just one walk, highlighting the same plate-discipline concerns that have followed him throughout his professional career.

      The former sixth overall pick has now appeared in parts of seven MLB seasons, but he has never been able to establish himself offensively. Across 189 career games, Jackson owns a .174/.252/.305 slash line and has struck out in nearly 40% of his plate appearances. That makes it difficult for a contender to carry him as a third catcher when there are only so many opportunities to get him into the lineup.

      The next step will be placing Jackson on waivers, which should happen within the next couple of days. There is a chance he goes unclaimed and returns to Triple-A St. Paul. However, catching depth wears thin at this late point in the season and another team could need a veteran backup option. 

      It would be great for Jackson to stick in the organization as depth, but the big-league roster was suffering with him collecting dust on the bench.

       

      Matthew Taylor

      Josh Donaldson has never been shy about sharing his opinion, and the former Minnesota Twins third baseman is making waves with some rather unflattering comments about his former team and the state of Minnesota.

      On a recent episode of his Get It Done League podcast, Donaldson was discussing Jeff Hoffman being traded to the Twins at the deadline and his thoughts on Minnesota as a destination. Donaldson did not exactly give his former home a ringing endorsement.

      "He's going to get to go to Minnesota, where it's 'Minnesota Nice'... people in Minnesota... I don't think they even care about baseball that much... Playing there for two years, I thought it was mediocre at best," Donaldson said.

      Parker Hageman of Twins Daily shared a clip of Donaldson's comments on X, and it quickly generated plenty of engagement from Twins fans, many of whom remember Donaldson's own two-year run in Minnesota quite well.

      Donaldson signed with the Twins as a free agent ahead of the 2020 season and spent two seasons with the club. While he was productive when on the field, posting a .829 OPS, many fans had a sour taste in their mouths over Donaldson's time in Minnesota. Injuries limited him to just 163 games over those two years, and he missed the Twins' 2020 postseason run because of injury.

      Donaldson's tenure in Minnesota was also defined by his personality. He became a polarizing figure among Twins fans, with his attitude, controversial comments and perceived lack of leadership rubbing plenty of people the wrong way.

      After spending the 2022 and 2023 seasons in New York and Milwaukee, Donaldson retired following the 2023 season. He now hosts Get It Done League alongside former teammate and All-Star Russell Martin and veteran broadcaster Arash Madani.

      Now, his comments about Minnesota have given Twins fans another reason to revisit the Donaldson era.

      What do you make of Josh Donaldson's comments? And what is your overall opinion of Donaldson's time with the Twins? Let us know in the comments.

      Matthew Taylor

      The Minnesota Twins have added some veteran pitching depth, signing right-hander Germán Márquez to a minor league deal, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Márquez will report to Triple-A St. Paul.

      Márquez was designated for assignment by the San Diego Padres on August 5 to make room for Robbie Ray, whom San Diego acquired at the trade deadline.

      The 31-year-old Márquez has spent 11 seasons in the Major Leagues, with the first 10 coming with the Colorado Rockies. He earned an All-Star selection in 2021 and has made 210 career starts. Despite carrying a 4.70 ERA for his career, Márquez has posted a 103 ERA+, which is above league average and speaks to just how difficult it is to pitch half of your games at Coors Field.

      Márquez primarily works with a mid-90s fastball and a knuckle curve that has generated a 27% whiff rate. However, the underlying numbers haven't been particularly encouraging in recent seasons, which helps explain why the Padres ultimately moved on.

      He doesn't miss many bats, averaging six strikeouts per nine innings over the past two seasons, and he's also been prone to giving up hard contact. Over the past two seasons, Márquez has allowed 37 home runs in 179 innings.

      There's certainly a chance Márquez doesn't have much left in the tank. That's also why the Twins were able to sign him to a minor league deal rather than making a significant commitment. There's a good chance he never makes an appearance for the big league club.

      Still, Márquez provides the Twins with something valuable at this point in the season: veteran starting pitching depth. He's been through just about everything a pitcher can experience over an 11-year Major League career, and if the Twins suddenly need someone to make a spot start because of an injury or another roster need, Márquez has plenty of experience doing exactly that.

      It's a low-risk move for the Twins, but one that could potentially pay off if they find something in Márquez that the Padres couldn't.

      What do you think of the Twins signing Germán Márquez to a minor league deal? Leave a comment below and start the conversation!

      Matthew Taylor

      The Minnesota Twins have activated Byron Buxton from the injured list, bringing their All-Star outfielder back just in time for Thursday's Field of Dreams game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Dyersville, Iowa.

      Buxton has been sidelined with right hip impingement since July 29. Before the injury, he was enjoying another productive season, posting a .864 OPS with 25 home runs and 45 RBI. The 32-year-old earned his third All-Star selection earlier this season.

      Because Buxton can be added as the 27th man under a special roster exemption for the Field of Dreams Game, the Twins do not have to make a corresponding roster move until Friday. Now the question is how the Twins will deploy Buxton in his return and who will be the odd man out when they make the corresponding move tomorrow.

      Look for Buxton to make his return in the Field of Dreams game at 6:30pm on Netflix.

      What are you expecting to see from Buxton in his return? And who do you think the Twins will move off the roster Friday? Let us know in the comments.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins received an encouraging update on Joe Ryan’s recovery Monday, but there is still plenty of work to be done before their All-Star right-hander is ready to return to the mound.

      Ryan, who is on the injured list with a mild left glute strain, played catch on flat ground Monday. It was a small step, but it was an important one for a pitcher who has been dealing with physical issues that have impacted both his mechanics and his results since the All-Star break.

      Twins manager Derek Shelton said Ryan’s throwing session was a positive development.

      “I had a brief but very good conversation with him,” Shelton said. “I think we’re going to just have to see how it continues to progress. But the fact that he’s out there throwing is a very encouraging sign. It was flat ground, but he was still playing catch.”

      Ryan is not eligible to return from the injured list until August 20, but the Twins don't appear interested in treating that date as a target. Instead, the organization wants to see how Ryan responds as he progresses through his throwing program.

      Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll echoed Shelton’s optimism while emphasizing the importance of taking a measured approach.

      “We want to make sure we don't try to push him along, and end up on this spiral or hamster wheel,” Zoll said. “We're trying to thread the needle on not having him down too long, so it doesn't require too long of a buildup (to return). But we also want to make sure everything is resolved.”

      That last part is especially important. Ryan hasn't simply been dealing with the glute strain. He has also experienced tightness in his back, and the combination disrupted his mechanics. Once those mechanics became compromised, his performance took a significant downturn.

      Ryan went 0-3 with a 9.39 ERA across three starts following the All-Star break before landing on the injured list. The Twins don't want to see him return simply because he is technically healthy enough to pitch. They need him to feel like himself again.

      “We have to start with that to make sure he feels like that's resolved before being able to progress,” Zoll said. “Obviously these things work all in conjunction. If you feel off physically, it can impact you mechanically and performance-wise. ... First and foremost, we want to get him feeling symptom free to be able to progress.”

      That approach makes sense for a pitcher Minnesota cannot afford to get wrong. Ryan is one of the most important pieces of the Twins' rotation, and his importance only increases as the club tries to remain in the American League playoff picture. Minnesota has already made additions to its pitching staff, but replacing a healthy version of Ryan over the long term is not something the organization can realistically expect to do.

      The good news is that Monday's throwing session represents progress. The bad news is that it is only one step. Ryan still needs to progress to throwing off a mound, build his workload back up and demonstrate that the physical issues that disrupted his mechanics have been resolved. The Twins will need to balance urgency with patience, particularly with the season entering its most important stretch.

      If the Twins are going to stay in the playoff hunt, they need their All-Star starter back. More importantly, they need him back healthy and pitching like the version of Joe Ryan they know he can be. Monday provided a reason for optimism, but the next few weeks will determine whether that optimism turns into a meaningful return.

       

      Cody Christie

      Byron Buxton is getting closer to a return, and the Minnesota Twins could have their star back in the lineup before the end of the week.

      Buxton made meaningful progress Monday as he works his way back from a right hip impingement. Before the Twins faced the Orioles, he took batting practice on the field for the first time since landing on the injured list. He also ran the bases, giving the team another opportunity to see how his hip responds to baseball activities.

      The next checkpoint comes Tuesday. If Buxton arrives at the ballpark feeling good after Monday's workload, there may not be much left for him to accomplish before returning to the active roster. The Twins do not currently expect him to need a Minor League rehab assignment.

      "The plan is to see how he comes in tomorrow,” said general manager Jeremy Zoll. “We're just trying to get a sense of how he's recovering from all of the activities, and then hopeful for activation within the next few days."

      Running Is the Biggest Test

      Buxton wasn't pushing himself to full speed during Monday's running work, but he did make his way around all three bases. The goal was less about testing his top-end speed and more about seeing how the hip responded to the various movements required during a game.

      That includes something as simple as slowing down or coming to a stop. Buxton said he has been paying particular attention to those movements because they were among the actions that caused problems when the hip issue first surfaced in May. Being able to run without discomfort will be one of the biggest indicators that he's ready to return.

      He took time off around the All-Star break to rest the injury, but it didn't work.The Twins placed Buxton on the injured list again after the issue resurfaced. This time, he received an injection in the joint and stepped away from all baseball activities for more than a week.

      That extended shutdown was designed to give the injury a chance to settle down rather than having Buxton immediately try to play through it again. Both the player and organization are hoping the additional recovery time will allow him to return at full strength for the remainder of the season.

      Twins Need His Bat

      Minnesota's offense has had difficulty putting together consistent production during the second half of the season. The Twins have needed more length throughout the lineup, and there are few additions that could provide a bigger boost than getting Buxton back.

      The timing of his potential return is still somewhat up in the air. The Twins are scheduled to participate in the Field of Dreams game Thursday, which would make for a memorable setting for Buxton's return. However, bringing him back for that game could mean pushing the timeline more than necessary.

      If he responds well to Tuesday's workout and continues progressing without any setbacks, a return sometime this weekend appears to be a more realistic possibility. For now, the Twins are simply waiting to see how Buxton's body responds. Monday represented a significant step forward. Tuesday could determine just how many steps remain.

      Peter Labuza

      In the hours before the trade deadline, rumors swirled around a trade that would send Angels shortstop Zack Neto to the Minnesota Twins. That didn't happen. Thanks to Bob Nightengale at the Star Tribune, we now know that price included top prospect Walker Jenkins among other names.

      Neto was considered a highly valued piece at the trade deadline. Though Neto has had a relative down year, he has had three consecutive 20-home run seasons and will likely make 20 steals (also his third season in a row). While the defense grades below average, Neto could have likely had defensive versatility for the Twins.

      But asking for Jenkins was almost certainly a bridge too far for the team. There was certainly a case for trading Kaelen Culpepper - using Neto as a bridge to quickly rising prospect Marek Houston - but the young outfielder Jenkins remains a centerpiece for Minnesota's future. As Nightengale reported, talks never got too far in part due to Jenkins' inclusion.

      Jenkins is currently batting .297 / .388 / .493 and was likely due for a callup if Trevor Larnach had been traded. With Larnach staying put, it is unclear when to expect the Twins' top prospect to be roaming Target Field. 

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins made all the rumored moves official. Minnesota announced Friday that it has selected the contract of top prospect Kaelen Culpepper while also recalling right-handed pitcher Zebby Matthews from Triple-A St. Paul. To make room on the active roster, infielder Tristan Gray has been optioned.

      The Twins also placed right-hander Joe Ryan on the 15-day injured list with a mild left glute strain. His IL stint can be backdated to Wednesday, meaning he would be eligible to return on August 20, although that’s an off day for the Twins.

      Culpepper's promotion gives the Twins another opportunity to see one of their most highly regarded young players at the major-league level. The former first-round pick has continued to work his way toward becoming a regular contributor in Minnesota, and his debut comes at a time when the club is trying to keep pace in the American League playoff race.

      The move also required Minnesota to clear a spot on its 40-man roster. Right-handed reliever Taylor Rashi was designated for assignment to make room for Culpepper. Minnesota acquired Rashi from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a cash transaction in June after Arizona had designated him for assignment. At the time, the Twins were searching for additional bullpen options, but Rashi never made a major-league appearance for the organization.

      He instead spent his time with Triple-A St. Paul, where he logged 17 innings and posted a 4.76 ERA. Rashi struck out 28.7% of the batters he faced while walking 11.3%. The Twins have added several other bullpen options since acquiring Rashi, making his path to the majors even more difficult. Minnesota acquired Jeff Hoffman, Tommy Nance and A.J. Minter in separate moves during the deadline period, significantly changing the makeup of its relief corps.

      Ryan Lands on Injured List

      The bigger concern for Minnesota is what Ryan's absence means for the rotation. Manager Derek Shelton told reporters that Ryan would be placed on the injured list after being diagnosed with a mild left glute strain. The Twins had also sent Ryan for testing on his back earlier this week, but the glute issue appears to be the primary culprit.

      The timing is unfortunate for a pitcher who had been one of Minnesota's best performers during the first half. Ryan earned his second career All-Star selection. Since returning from the break, however, something has clearly been off.

      His first start of the second half was particularly rough. Ryan surrendered an MLB-record six home runs against a Cleveland lineup that was the AL’s worst home run hitting team. The Twins subsequently pushed his next start back because of arm fatigue.

      Across his last three starts, Ryan has allowed 17 runs over 15 1/3 innings while striking out just 10 of the 73 hitters he has faced. Minnesota has lost each of those three games. His velocity has also dipped. Ryan's four-seam fastball averaged just 92.1 mph in Tuesday's start at Kauffman Stadium. That was his lowest average in a start since early May and well below his 93.4 mph average for the season.

      Matthews Gets Another Opportunity

      With Ryan unavailable, the Twins will turn back to Matthews. The right-hander has been recalled from St. Paul and is scheduled to start Friday's series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers. Matthews had recently been pushed out of Minnesota's starting rotation following the club's acquisition of Dean Kremer from Baltimore. Among the Twins' regular starters, Matthews had posted the weakest results, carrying a 5.22 ERA across 81 innings.

      His final start before being optioned was actually one of his better performances of the season. Matthews struck out a career-high 10 batters in a 5-3 victory over Seattle, although he still allowed three runs over five innings and surrendered his 16th home run of the season. Now, he'll have another opportunity to show that he can turn those encouraging peripherals into better overall results.

      For a Twins team trying to remain in the postseason picture, Ryan's health will obviously be the biggest factor. But Matthews has an important opportunity in front of him, while Culpepper gets another chance to establish himself in the majors. It's another significant roster shuffle for a Minnesota club that has undergone plenty of changes over the past several weeks.

       

      Matthew Taylor

      Joe Ryan's recent struggles may not simply be a matter of poor execution.

      According to The Athletic's Dan Hayes, Twins manager Derek Shelton said Ryan left the club in Kansas City to be evaluated by team physician Christopher Camp in Minneapolis. The development comes after Ryan turned in his third consecutive disappointing start following the All-Star break, allowing four earned runs over 5 1/3 innings against the last-place Royals on Tuesday night.

      Over his last three starts, Ryan owns a 9.39 ERA across 15 1/3 innings. While he has developed a reputation for fading in the second half of seasons, this latest update suggests there could be more going on than a typical late-season slump.

      Hayes also reported that Shelton acknowledged the possibility of something physical contributing to Ryan's recent performance.

      "He's frustrated and not able to replicate his delivery...I'm not going to say it's not physical. But we owe it to him and to us to find out what he's feeling and how he's going about it."

      Whether Ryan will require a stint on the injured list remains to be seen, but if he is sidelined, the most logical replacement would be Zebby Matthews. Matthews was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul over the weekend to make room on the active roster for newly acquired starter Dean Kremer, but he would be an obvious candidate to return if another rotation spot opens up.

      Do you think Joe Ryan is dealing with an injury, or is this simply another case of his second-half struggles resurfacing? Leave a comment below and start the conversation!

      Cory Moen

      The Twins have released RHP Cody Laweryson. He was designated for assignment on August 1 after the Twins needed room on the 40-man roster after acquiring A.J. Minter to bolster the bullpen.

      Laweryson made 15 appearances with the Twins this season, throwing 16 2/3 innings, recording 18 strikeouts and eight walks. He's recorded a 4.86 ERA and a slightly worse 5.08 FIP along with a 1.380 WHIP.  He made his major league debut in 2025 and was DFAed during the offseason. He was claimed by the Angels, but the Twins brought him back in mid-February.

      He has also made eight relief appearances with Triple-A St. Paul, throwing nine innings, with eight strikeouts and three walks.

      Laweryson will now look for his next opportunity, whether that be re-signing with the Twins or taking a new opportunity elsewhere.

      Cody Christie

      When Tom Pohlad stepped into the role of Twins chairman last winter, he promised that the organization would provide the resources necessary for the front office to build a sustainable contender. For much of the season, those comments were met with skepticism after years of payroll criticism. The 2026 trade deadline offered the first tangible evidence of that commitment.

      Minnesota aggressively upgraded its roster by acquiring A.J. Minter, Dean Kremer, and Jeff Hoffman, adding impact talent while taking on more than $8 million in prorated salary for the remainder of the season. The moves also created meaningful financial obligations beyond 2026, with Hoffman owed $11 million next season and Kremer expected to receive another raise through arbitration after earning $5.75 million this year. Although Toronto will cover $3.75 million of Hoffman's 2027 salary, the Twins still accepted a larger financial commitment than many expected.

      According to Pohlad, that willingness to spend was intentional.

      “I, and we as an ownership group, were committed to giving [general manager Jeremy Zoll] the financial flexibility to make this team better,” Pohlad said. “I think the results of what happened at the Trade Deadline were in no small part a function of having that financial flexibility and that clarity at the outset. Now, somebody has to go out and execute that, and that is a very hard thing to do, and he did that masterfully.”

      The deadline additions addressed immediate needs while also strengthening the roster beyond this season. More importantly, they represented a shift from simply managing payroll to actively investing in a club that believes it can contend over multiple years.

      Pohlad made it clear those deadline moves were not a one-time exception. When asked whether Minnesota's willingness to add salary at the deadline signaled an increase in payroll for 2027, he didn't hesitate.

      “I’m not hoping -- it will be higher,” he said. “I’ve been consistent, right? For us to accomplish the things that we want to accomplish, and be a consistently competitive team in the playoffs, and going deep, we have to make an investment into this team. We did that in a small way at the Trade Deadline. You’ll see more of it next year.”

      That statement could become one of the organization's most significant developments of the season. The Twins have spent the last several years answering questions about shrinking payrolls and financial limitations. Now, ownership is publicly committing to moving in the opposite direction.

      Of course, words alone won't erase years of frustration among the fan base. The real test will come this offseason as Minnesota looks to supplement a roster that already appears capable of competing in the American League. If Pohlad follows through on his promise, Jeremy Zoll could have considerably more flexibility to address remaining needs instead of relying solely on internal improvements.

      The trade deadline showed the Twins are willing to spend when they believe they have a chance to win. Pohlad's latest comments suggest that philosophy won't end with this season. Instead, they could mark the beginning of a new financial approach—one designed to keep Minnesota in contention not only for the rest of 2026, but well into 2027 and beyond.

      Matthew Taylor

      The Minnesota Twins officially added newly acquired right-handed starting pitcher Dean Kremer to the active roster on Sunday, optioning right-handed reliever Jack Anderson to Triple-A St. Paul in the corresponding move.

      Minnesota acquired Kremer from the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night in exchange for 18-year-old outfield prospect Jhomnardo Reyes, and this move confirms the club's intention of immediately inserting him into the major league rotation. Combined with Saturday's decision to option Zebby Matthews to St. Paul, Kremer is now expected to take over Matthews' spot in the rotation. If that lines up as expected, Kremer will make his Twins debut on Thursday, August 6, in Kansas City. Kremer last pitched for Baltimore on July 28 when he allowed eight earned runs against the Detroit Tigers.

      The decision to option Anderson is a logical one. The Twins claimed the right-hander off waivers from the Red Sox earlier in July, and while he impressed during his brief stint in Minneapolis by tossing 4 1/3 scoreless innings, most of his appearances came in low-leverage situations. With Kremer needing a roster spot, Anderson was the easiest move.

      The more intriguing question is what comes next for Matthews. Will he remain stretched out as rotation depth at Triple-A? Could he replace Connor Prielipp in the Saints' rotation if the organization wants to manage Prielipp's workload after the heaviest season of his professional career? Or do the Twins see Matthews as a potential bullpen option down the stretch? Those answers should become clearer over the next few weeks.

      What do you expect to see from Dean Kremer in the Minnesota Twins' rotation? Leave a comment below and start the conversation!

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