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    Notes about the team are posted here.

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      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Minnesota Twins needed a fresh arm after an exhausting day for the bullpen.

      The Twins on Sunday called up left-hander Kendry Rojas from Triple-A St. Paul and sent left-hander Kody Funderburk down to the Saints. The Twins used six relievers following Joe Ryan's six-inning start in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians in 11 innings.

      Rojas made his MLB debut April 22, pitching two shutout innings with two hits, three walks and no strikeouts. He was sent back to Triple-A a couple days later. At St. Paul this season, Rojas has made five appearances, including a start, allowing four runs and 14 hits with five walks and 15 strikeouts in 15 innings for a 2.40 ERA.

      Funderburk has been a key part of the Twins' bullpen. He has made 19 appearances covering 16 innings, with 13 walks and 10 strikeouts for a 2.81 ERA.

      Coincidentally, Rojas' debut came as Funderburk was on paternity leave for the birth of his child.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Looking for any solution in the bullpen, the Minnesota Twins have made another addition.

      The Twins on Wednesday acquired right-handed reliever Yoendrys Gomez from the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations. Right-handed reliever Christian Roa, who was at Triple-A St. Paul, was designated for assignment to make room for Gomez on the 40-man roster. Another move will have to be made in the next day or two to add Gomez to the 26-man roster.

      Gomez had been DFA'd by the Rays after making nine appearances and posting a 6.23 ERA in 17⅓ innings, walking 10 and striking out 13. He allowed runs in seven of his outings, ironically not in his last game a week ago Wednesday when he went two scoreless innings against the Cleveland Guardians.

      Roa had been claimed off waivers April 23 by the Twins following being DFA'd by the Houston Astros. In three appearances at St. Paul, he allowed two runs on two hits and two walks with three strikeouts in 2⅓ innings. That came after seven games with the Astros in which he allowed five runs in 8⅔ innings with seven walks and six strikeouts.

       

      Matthew Trueblood

      Joe Ryan's MRI Sunday came back clean, a Twins source confirmed to Twins Daily Tuesday. As first reported by Dan Hayes of The Athletic, Ryan played catch Tuesday and will throw a bullpen session Wednesday, after which the team will evaluate when he might make his next start. 

      Ryan left his last start Sunday after just two batters faced, with what the team called "elbow soreness". His scan revealed no damage to his UCL, but until he gets back onto a mound and pitches pain-free, the next steps in getting him back into the starting rotation will not become clear. Wednesday is the last day on which the team can make an injured list stint retroactive to Sunday, so the bullpen session will be important. If it goes well (and Ryan recovers from it well), the team might choose to skate by without placing him on the injured list. If, however, there's any lingering discomfort, a stint on the IL is likely.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins have been searching for consistency in the early part of the season, and over the past week, Byron Buxton provided exactly that. When he is healthy and locked in, there are few players in baseball who can impact a game in as many ways, and this latest stretch served as a reminder of his game-changing ability on both sides of the ball.

      Buxton put together one of the most productive weeks of his career, appearing in seven games and collecting 10 hits in 29 at-bats for a .345 average. His power was on full display as he launched five home runs, added a double, and swiped two bases. He also crossed the plate six times and drove in seven runs, serving as the catalyst for Minnesota’s offense throughout the week. Notably, he homered in five of those seven games, including a streak of three consecutive contests, marking the sixth time in his career he has accomplished that feat.

      This recognition marks the third time in Buxton’s 12-year career that he has earned American League Player of the Week honors. His previous awards came on August 26, 2017, and June 11, 2022. It also represents a milestone for the Twins lineup, as Buxton becomes the first Minnesota hitter to take home the award since Luke Keaschall did so on August 9 of last season.

      With this latest honor, Buxton continues to climb into elite territory within franchise history. He is now one of six players in Twins history to win the award at least three times while with the organization. That group includes Kent Hrbek, Joe Mauer, Kirby Puckett, Rod Carew, and Johan Santana, a collection of names that highlights just how impactful Buxton has been when at his best.

       

      Buxton got off to a slow start at the plate to begin the season, and some have pointed to his limited action in the World Baseball Classic after being hit by a pitch as a contributing factor. Through his first eight games, he went just 4-for-30 (.133) with 10 strikeouts. Since then, the turnaround has been significant. Over his next 24 games, he has posted a .288/.351/.615 (.966) slash line with 10 home runs and four doubles, a stretch that looks much more like the All-Star level production the Twins have come to expect.

      If this stretch is any indication of what Buxton can provide moving forward, the Twins lineup may have found the spark it needs. His combination of power, speed, and defensive excellence makes him one of the most dynamic players in the game, and when he is producing at this level, Minnesota looks like a much more dangerous team.

      Cody Christie

      Prior to Sunday’s matchup with Toronto, Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll met with reporters and shared updates on several injured players across the organization. Among those, David Festa’s status stood out for all the wrong reasons.

      Festa had been building toward a return after dealing with a shoulder issue during Spring Training, but that progress hit a snag. Following his third live batting practice session, he experienced renewed discomfort, forcing the organization to halt his ramp-up and reassess. The timing is unfortunate, as he appeared to be nearing a minor league rehab assignment before this latest development.

      He has yet to pitch in a game this season, and the road back has already been complicated. Festa was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome late in 2025 and then dealt with right shoulder impingement earlier this year. Each step forward has required patience, and now that patience will be tested again.

      The situation leaves the Twins balancing short-term needs with long-term value. When healthy, Festa still projects as a meaningful piece of the organization’s pitching depth. Entering last season, he was arguably the team’s top pitching prospect. However, shoulder concerns can quickly alter timelines, and the team may need to remain flexible about how they eventually deploy him.

      There is at least some reason to believe a different role could unlock more consistency. Over the past two seasons, Festa has posted a 5.12 ERA alongside a more encouraging 4.27 FIP, backed by a 25.7% strikeout rate and an 8.3% walk rate. Those underlying metrics hint at a pitcher whose arsenal could benefit from shorter bursts, where his stuff may play up, and the physical demands are easier to manage.

      Even so, any conversation about role changes is secondary right now. The Twins are focused on getting Festa back to a place where he can throw regularly without setbacks. That means taking a deliberate approach and avoiding any temptation to accelerate the process.

      There is still a path for Festa to contribute in 2026, but it will depend on how his body responds in the coming weeks. Whether he ultimately returns as a starter or shifts into a relief role will sort itself out over time. For now, the objective is straightforward. Get healthy and stay healthy.

      For a team already navigating questions about its pitching depth, every update carries weight. This one may not be what Minnesota hoped for, but it does not close the door. If Festa can resume his progression without further interruption, he still has a chance to factor into the picture later this season.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Minnesota Twins have lost one of their bullpen stalwarts to an injury.

      Right-hander Cole Sands was put on the 15-day injured list by the Twins on Saturday due to a strained right forearm. Right-hander John Klein was called up from Triple-A St. Paul to make his MLB debut.

      We have made the following roster moves:

      [image or embed]

      — Minnesota Twins (@twinsbaseball.bsky.social) May 2, 2026 at 8:00 AM

      Sands made 131 appearances out of the Twins' bullpen the last two seasons and had made 12 in 2026. In 11⅔ innings, he had a 4.63 ERA with six runs on 12 hits with four walks and 11 strikeouts. He last appeared in a game Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners, giving up two runs on three hits, including a homer, in two-thirds of an inning. He came on with one on and one out in the eighth and gave up a double to Julio Rodriguez and a three-run homer to Josh Naylor, turning a 2-1 Twins deficit into a 5-1 disadvantage.

      Klein had made seven appearances, six starts, at St. Paul this year. He had a 7.48 ERA in 21⅔ innings, walking six and striking out 24. Klein signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The door is open for Luis Garcia's second chance this season.

      The Minnesota Twins placed right-hander reliever Garrett Acton on the 15-day injured list with a strained right shoulder and promoted Garcia from Triple-A St. Paul. The 39-year-old Garcia, also a right-handed reliever, recently signed with the Twins after being released by the New York Mets. Right-handed reliever Zak Kent was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Garcia.

      We have made the following roster moves:

      [image or embed]

      — Minnesota Twins (@twinsbaseball.bsky.social) April 28, 2026 at 3:37 PM

      The Twins acquired Acton from the Miami Marlins on April 2 after he had been designated for assignment after not making the Opening Day roster. He was called up from St. Paul on April 5 and made four appearances, compiling a 2.70 ERA in 6⅔ innings, allowing four hits and three walks while striking out nine.

      Garcia had a 7.11 ERA in six appearances for the Mets before being DFA'd. He signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on April 21 and pitched twice for St. Paul, allowing two hits, including a homer, with no walks and a strikeout in two innings.

      Kent made two early-season appearances out of the Twins' bullpen, allowing five runs (two earned) on four hits with five walks and two strikeouts. If he passes through waivers, he could report back to St. Paul.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      As expected, the initial Kendry Rojas era was a brief one.

      The 23-year-old, Twins Daily's No. 8 prospect, was returned to Triple-A St. Paul as fellow left-hander Kody Funderburk returned from paternity leave.

      We have made the following roster moves:

      [image or embed]

      — Minnesota Twins (@twinsbaseball.bsky.social) April 24, 2026 at 9:43 AM

      Rojas was called up Tuesday and made his MLB debut in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the New York Mets. He pitched two scoreless innings, allowing two hits and three walks with no strikeouts. Overall, a solid outing, especially for a debut.

      Rojas was part of the package the Twins got from the Toronto Blue Jays for right-handed reliever Louis Varland and first baseman Ty France.

      Funderburk's wife, Alicia, gave birth to the couple's first child, a daughter, Monday, a day off for the team.

       

      Cody Christie

      Right-hander David Festa is inching closer to getting back on a mound after dealing with a shoulder issue that surfaced during Spring Training. The next step in his progression is scheduled to come this week, as Festa is expected to face live hitters. If that goes well, a rehab assignment should not be far behind, putting him on a clearer path back to the Twins pitching staff.

      That timeline alone would be encouraging, but Festa’s situation carries another layer of intrigue. The Twins are in need of bullpen reinforcements, and his power arsenal could make him a natural fit in a relief role. General manager Jeremy Zoll acknowledged that the organization is actively evaluating how Festa might be used once he is healthy.

      “I know the role conversation remains a relevant question,” Zoll said. “We’re going to have more to come probably next week on that.”

      The uncertainty surrounding his role is tied, in part, to a string of health interruptions. Festa dealt with thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms during the 2025 season, and this spring brought a new issue. He was diagnosed with a shoulder impingement, an injury the Twins have indicated is unrelated to last year’s TOS concerns, but still enough to halt his throwing program for a couple of weeks.

      “I’ve kind of felt it on and off the last week or two,” Festa said in spring training. “Didn’t really say anything, because sometimes when you’re building up, you don’t always feel great. But once my bullpen wasn’t as good as it probably should’ve been, I just spoke up and got an image done. And everything lines up pretty well with what I’m feeling.”

      Following an MRI, Festa received an injection and was shut down for roughly two to three weeks. Now, with that downtime behind him, the focus shifts toward ramping back up and proving he can handle game intensity again.

      Originally a 13th-round pick in 2021, Festa moved quickly through the minor leagues and debuted in June 2024. His rookie season showed flashes of real promise. After a rocky introduction, he settled in with a 3.81 ERA and 69 strikeouts across his final 54.1 innings. His ability to miss bats with a three-pitch mix stood out immediately.

      Expectations rose heading into 2025, but the results never quite matched the underlying talent. Festa posted a 5.40 ERA over 53.1 innings, though inconsistency and lingering health concerns likely played a role. Even so, his 130 strikeouts against 42 walks in 117.2 career innings point to a pitcher with more upside than his surface-level numbers suggest, reinforced by a 4.27 FIP that paints a more optimistic picture.

      That upside is exactly why the Twins have a decision to make. As a starter, Festa has shown he can turn a lineup over and generate swings and misses. In shorter bursts, his velocity and raw stuff could tick up even further, potentially making him a high-leverage weapon out of the bullpen.

      That possibility becomes even more relevant when looking at the current state of Minnesota’s relief corps. The Twins have operated with the lowest average fastball velocity among MLB bullpens, a profile that can work when command and sequencing are sharp but leaves little margin for error. Adding a pitcher like Festa, who can bring power and miss bats, could give the group a different look and help balance the group.

      For now, the priority is simple. Festa needs to get through live batting practice, build up innings, and prove his shoulder can hold up. Once that box is checked, the Twins will have a much clearer picture not just of when he can return, but also of how he can make the biggest impact.

      Cody Christie

      There was a brief moment of concern surrounding Mick Abel this week, but the Minnesota Twins appear to have avoided a worst-case scenario. When Abel experienced soreness following a bullpen session, the organization opted for caution, and the MRI results delivered encouraging news.

      “We felt like if we aggressively treat it, get him on some anti-inflammatories and play it safe on the front end, it’ll be something that will be relatively quick and short,” general manager Jeremy Zoll said. “We didn’t want to try to chase it and then make it potentially worse later by trying to prolong this.”

      That measured approach reflects both the Twins' current pitching depth and the importance of Abel to the organization’s long-term plans.

      Originally selected 15th overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020, Abel arrived in Minnesota with plenty of intrigue. He was part of last summer’s headline-grabbing deal that sent Jhoan Duran to Philadelphia, with catching prospect Eduardo Tait also coming back in return. At the time, the move signaled a shift toward reshaping the Twins' pitching pipeline.

      Now 24 years old, Abel’s development path has not been perfectly linear. Once a staple on top 100 prospect lists, his stock dipped entering 2025 before rebounding in a big way. He reached the majors with Philadelphia and pitched well enough to reestablish himself as a meaningful trade asset.

      Abel did not enter spring training with a guaranteed role, but he forced the Twins’ hand with a dominant showing in the Grapefruit League. Across 22 innings, he posted a 2.05 ERA with a 32.9% strikeout rate and just a 4.9% walk rate, looking every bit like a pitcher ready to contribute at the major league level.

      The regular season has brought some ups and downs, which is to be expected for a young arm finding his footing. After being hit hard in his first two outings, Abel responded with authority. He delivered 13 consecutive shutout innings across starts against Detroit and Boston, compiling a 16-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in the process.

      Through 20 1/3 innings, Abel owns a 3.98 ERA with a 24.7% strikeout rate and a 10% walk rate. Underlying metrics paint an even more encouraging picture. His 2.79 FIP suggests better days ahead, while a 3.93 SIERA reinforces the idea that he has been a steady contributor.

      For the Twins, the decision to pause rather than push reflects both confidence and caution. Elbow inflammation is not something to ignore, especially for a pitcher with Abel’s workload trajectory, but it is far from a devastating diagnosis.

      The focus now shifts to recovery and timing. If the inflammation responds well to treatment, Abel could return without missing significant time and continue building on what has been a promising start.

      In a season where pitching depth is already being tested, keeping Abel healthy matters. The early signs suggest the Twins have navigated this situation correctly, giving themselves a chance to have one of their most intriguing young arms back on the mound sooner rather than later.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      This is the day Connor Prielipp has been waiting for.

      The Minnesota Twins called up the left-hander to make his MLB debut by starting Wednesday's game against the New York Mets. Outfielder Ryan Kreidler was sent back to Triple-A St. Paul.

      We have made the following roster moves:

      [image or embed]

      — Minnesota Twins (@twinsbaseball.bsky.social) April 22, 2026 at 8:58 AM

      For the 25-year-old Prielipp, Twins Daily's No. 5 prospect, the path to his debut has been a rocky road. The Tomah, Wis., native had Tommy John surgery in college at Alabama, but the Twins still took a chance on him with their second-round pick in the 2022 draft. Unfortunately, Prielipp needed an internal brace procedure on the same elbow after two appearances in 2023.

      In 2024, Prielipp returned to make nine starts with a 2.70 ERA in 23⅓ innings, walking seven and striking out 41. He made 23 starts and one relief appearance in 2025 between Double-A Wichita and Triple-A St. Paul, with a combined 4.03 ERA, with 31 walks and 98 strikeouts in 82⅔ innings. At St. Paul this season, Prielipp appeared in four games, three starts, pitching 15⅔ innings and posting a 2.30 ERA with eight walks and 22 strikeouts.

      Kreidler was called up from St. Paul on April 11 and appeared in five games, going 3-for-14 with two homers and four RBIs. His demotion puts an even split on the 26-man roster of 13 position players and 13 pitchers after a one-day imbalance.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Some of the moves speculated over the last two days are now official.

      Third baseman Royce Lewis was activated from the 10-day injured list, left-hander Kody Funderburk was placed on the paternity list and prospect left-hander Kendry Rojas was promoted from Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday. The moves also fill the gap from Monday's transaction of placing right-handed starter Mick Abel on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his right elbow.

      Rojas, the No. 8 prospect by Twins Daily who was already on the 40-man roster, will be making his MLB debut. The Twins have 12 pitchers and 14 position players on their roster.

      Lewis' return from a sprained right knee after a minimal IL stint will be a boost to the Twins' offense. He hit a pair of home runs in his two-game rehab assignment with the St. Paul Saints over the weekend. That matched the total he hit in 12 MLB games this season while producing a .222/.378/.444 slash line.

      Rojas was part of the return from the Toronto Blue Jays in the trade last year for right-handed reliever Louis Varland and first baseman Ty France. Rojas has appeared in three games, including two starts, in the minors this season with four walks and seven strikeouts in 7⅓ innings.

      Funderburk is expected to rejoin the team by this weekend.

       

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins are adding another experienced arm to the organization, agreeing to a minor league deal with veteran right-hander Luis García. The 39-year-old reliever is expected to report to Triple-A St. Paul, giving the Twins a no-risk opportunity to evaluate whether he still has something left in the tank.

      García opened the season with the New York Mets after signing a one-year deal worth $1.75 million over the winter. That partnership didn’t last long. After just six appearances, the Mets decided to move on, cutting ties following a brief stretch where García struggled to find consistency. In 6 1/3 innings, he allowed five earned runs on 11 hits while walking two and striking out four.

      It’s an ugly line on the surface, but it also represents a very small sample size. For a pitcher with García’s track record, six outings are hardly enough to draw a definitive conclusion. Still, the Mets saw enough to pivot quickly, eating the remainder of his salary rather than attempting to stash him in the minors.

      That decision opens the door for Minnesota. Even at 39, García isn’t far removed from being a useful bullpen piece. Just last season, he logged over 50 innings across multiple teams while posting a 3.42 ERA. He leaned on a heavy sinker that generated ground balls at an impressive clip, helping him work around less-than-elite strikeout and walk numbers. It wasn’t dominant, but it was effective, and that’s exactly the type of profile the Twins have targeted in the past when building bullpen depth.

      The concern now is whether that version of García still exists. Early returns this season showed a noticeable dip in velocity. His sinker, which sat in the upper 90s a year ago, has backed off by a couple of miles per hour. His secondary pitches have followed a similar trend. For a pitcher who relies on movement and weak contact, even a slight drop in stuff can make a meaningful difference.

      That’s where this signing becomes interesting. Minnesota doesn’t need García to be a high-leverage weapon. They don’t even need him in the majors right away. What they do need is depth, especially with the unpredictable nature of modern bullpens. By bringing him in on a minor league deal, the Twins can give him time to work in St. Paul, evaluate his stuff in a lower-stakes environment, and determine if any adjustments can help him regain effectiveness.

      There’s also a financial advantage built into the move. Because the Mets released him, they remain responsible for the bulk of his salary. If García works his way onto Minnesota’s roster, the Twins would only owe him the prorated league minimum. For a team always mindful of payroll flexibility, that’s about as low-risk as it gets.

      If it clicks, the Twins could uncover a steady veteran capable of soaking up innings and generating ground balls in the middle innings. If it doesn’t, they can move on without consequence.

      Moves like this rarely grab headlines, but they often matter over the course of a long season. Bullpen attrition is inevitable, and organizations that can cycle through experienced options tend to weather that storm better than most.

      For now, García is simply the latest name added to that mix. Whether he becomes anything more will depend on what he shows in St. Paul and whether the Twins can help him turn back the clock, even just a little.

      Cody Christie

      There are nights when the conversation after a game centers on a big swing or a dominant pitching performance. Then there are nights like this one, where the spotlight shifts squarely behind the plate.

      On Sunday, home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt had a difficult outing in the matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and Minnesota Twins, missing 22 ball and strike calls over the course of the game. Notably, sixteen of those calls went against Cincinnati, including four blown strikeouts, ultimately creating a +2.78 run value in favor of Minnesota. Despite that imbalance, the Reds walked away with a 7-4 win in 10 innings, overcoming both the Twins and a strike zone that never quite settled in.

      Missed calls occur in every game, but this game's total and several key mistakes significantly affected the outcome and further highlight debates on umpire reliability. It was also the seventh game this season in which an umpire has missed 20 or more ball-and-strike calls, continuing a trend that has kept the automated ball-strike system in the conversation around the league.

      The Calls That Mattered Most
      While the total number is eye-opening, a few specific moments carried the most weight in terms of run expectancy.

      In the top of the fourth inning, with one out and a runner on first, Bailey Ober appeared to lose a full count battle against Spencer Steer. A pitch ruled a strike should have been ball four, ending the at-bat and putting another runner aboard. Instead, the Reds lost that opportunity.

      An inning later, Ober benefited again. Facing Matt McLain with two outs and a runner on second in a 1-2 count, a pitch off the plate was called strike three to end the inning. That erased a chance for Cincinnati to extend the frame and potentially push across a run.

      Minnesota was not entirely immune. In the bottom of the seventh, Connor Phillips appeared to punch out Trevor Larnach on a full count with two outs and nobody on. Instead, the pitch was called a ball, resulting in a walk that prolonged the inning.

       

      Still, the overall trend was clear. The majority of impactful misses leaned in Minnesota’s direction. To Cincinnati’s credit, the game did not spiral. Even with the inconsistencies, the Reds continued to grind through at-bats and leaned on timely hitting to keep things close. They also successfully used a challenge in extras, a fitting end on a night where the strike zone had been under scrutiny from the first inning on.

      For Minnesota, this is a frustrating kind of loss. The numbers suggest they were on the favorable side of the missed calls, yet they still could not convert that advantage into a win.

      Games like this highlight a larger issue. Even when external factors tilt in a team’s favor, execution still determines the outcome. The Twins had opportunities, some aided by the strike zone, but could not deliver the knockout blow.

      Umpiring will always be part of the game’s human element, but nights like this add fuel to the ongoing debate about consistency and potential technological solutions. When 22 calls are missed, and the imbalance is this pronounced, it becomes impossible to ignore.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Now we know the full picture of why the Minnesota Twins are calling up two of their top pitching prospects.

      In a big blow to the starting rotation, the Twins will be placing right-hander Mick Abel on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. The move will be made before Tuesday's series opener against the New York Mets.

      On Sunday, news broke that left-handers Kendry Rojas and Connor Prielipp were joining the team in New York. One part of the equation as to whose roster spots they would take was another left-hander, Kody Funderburk, is set to go on the paternity list. Rojas and Prielipp are both already on the 40-man roster.

      The Abel injury answers the other half of that.

      Abel, 24, has appeared in four games, including three starts, this season with a 3.98 ERA. He has been especially sharp in his last two starts, tossing 13 shutout innings against the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox. He struck out 16 in those two games, including 10 Tuesday vs. the Red Sox.

      Abel joins star right-hander Pablo Lopez, who is out for the season after having his right UCL repaired in late February.

       

      Cody Christie

      Major League Baseball’s ABS system has brought changes to the game, and teams are still ironing out its wrinkles. With only a limited number of challenges available, every decision carries weight.

      It did not take long for players to realize that this system is not just about accuracy, it is also about strategy. On Tuesday night, Victor Caratini may have given the clearest example yet of how gamesmanship can play a role in this new era.

      Catchers have traditionally built their value around pitch framing, subtly moving their glove to influence an umpire’s call. The ABS system changes that dynamic. With the ability to challenge pitches, framing becomes less essential in the traditional sense. But that does not mean it is irrelevant. In fact, Caratini showed it can still be a weapon, just in a different way.

      With Andruw Monasterio at the plate, Caratini received a pitch that clearly went through the bottom half of the strike zone. Instead of presenting it cleanly, he exaggerated his glove movement well outside the zone. The visual suggested a clear ball, even though the pitch itself was a strike.

      That was the trap. Monasterio took the bait and called for a challenge, convinced the pitch had missed. Moments later, the review confirmed what Caratini already knew. The pitch was a strike. The Red Sox lost a challenge, and Monasterio was left with a long, quiet walk back to the dugout.

      It was a small moment in the game, but one that could have larger implications. Challenges are a finite resource, and burning one on a pitch that was never close is a costly mistake. By manipulating perception, Caratini essentially gave his pitcher an advantage without throwing another pitch.

      This kind of thinking is exactly what many expected when ABS was first implemented. Players and coaches are constantly looking for edges, and this is simply the latest example.

      Aaron and John talked about this scenario playing out on Wednesday’s mailbag episode of Gleeman and the Geek. Aaron agreed that it could be something that is seen more regularly this season. However, John had a tough time imagining the situation playing out the way it did for Monasterio.

      There is also a psychological layer to it. Hitters trust their eyes and instincts, but when a catcher presents a pitch in a misleading way, it introduces doubt. In a system where players can challenge calls, that doubt can turn into a costly decision.

      For Minnesota, it was another example of doing the little things right in a win over Boston. Now, fans will have to wait and see if any other batters fall for a similar tactic.

      Cody Christie

      There was plenty for the Minnesota Twins to celebrate on Tuesday night at Target Field after a 6-0 win over the Boston Red Sox. Still, by the time the clubhouse doors opened and the postgame conversations began, the focus had shifted away from the box score.

      The moment everyone wanted to talk about happened in the fifth inning, and it had nothing to do with a pitch or a swing.

      As Boston’s Jarren Duran returned to the dugout following a groundout, he directed an obscene gesture toward a fan seated near the Twins’ dugout. The interaction quickly became the center of attention, especially after Duran explained what led to his reaction.

      "Somebody just told me to kill myself," Duran said. "I'm used to it at this point, you know? I mean, s--- happens. I mean, I'm going to flip somebody off if they say something to me, but it is what it is. I shouldn't react like that, but that kind of stuff is still kind of triggering."

      It is a jarring quote, and it reframes the moment immediately. What may have looked like a simple loss of composure becomes something far more complicated when placed in that context.

      Duran has been open about his mental health journey, including severe depression and a past suicide attempt that he discussed publicly in a Netflix series released last year. That transparency has helped humanize a player often seen only through the lens of performance, but it has also opened the door to a darker side of fan interaction.

      "Honestly, it's my fault for talking about my mental health because I kind of brought in the haters. So I've just got to get used to it," Duran said. "I was just trying to hold it in and not really bring that up to the team. I mean, we're trying to win a game. I shouldn't even bring that up to anybody. ... It just happens."

      There is a lot to unpack in those words. The idea that speaking openly about mental health invites abuse is a troubling reflection of how conversations like these are still handled in public spaces. At the same time, Duran acknowledges that his reaction crossed a line, even if the comment that sparked it went far beyond anything acceptable.

      Boston manager Alex Cora said he did not see the incident unfold and had not yet reviewed the video afterward, leaving the situation to be addressed more fully at a later time.

      This is not the first time Duran has found himself in the spotlight for an interaction with a fan. In 2024, he served a two game suspension after directing an anti gay slur during a separate incident. That history adds another layer to how moments like this are perceived, both inside the game and across social media, where reactions were predictably split.

      Some defended Duran’s response, arguing that players should not be expected to absorb deeply personal and harmful comments without reacting. Others pointed to the need for professionalism, regardless of circumstance, especially given his prior discipline. Both perspectives exist because this is not a simple issue.

      What should be simple is the baseline expectation for fan behavior. There is a difference between heckling and crossing a line into something personal and dangerous. Players are public figures, but they are not immune to the impact of words that go well beyond the boundaries of the game.

      But baseball does not exist in a vacuum. Moments like this serve as reminders that what happens in the stands can carry just as much weight as what happens between the lines.

      Cody Christie

      When the MLB All-Star Game rolls around each summer, it serves as more than just a midseason showcase of the game’s brightest stars. It is also a reflection of the people shaping the sport behind the scenes. This year, the Minnesota Twins will have representation in the dugout as well, with manager Derek Shelton earning a spot on the American League coaching staff.

      Shelton has been tapped to join the American League staff for the 2026 All-Star Game in Philadelphia, a role extended by John Schneider, who will lead the AL squad after guiding the Toronto Blue Jays to the AL pennant. While All-Star managers typically lean on their own coaching staff, they are also given the opportunity to bring in an outside voice. Schneider’s choice of Shelton speaks volumes.

      The connection between the two goes back nearly a decade. In 2017, Shelton was working in a quality control role within Toronto’s system, while Schneider was managing at the High-A level. Their paths crossed early, and the respect built during that time clearly stuck. That relationship resurfaced this spring when Schneider reached out personally to invite Shelton to join him for the Midsummer Classic.

      This will not be Shelton’s first experience on an All-Star staff. Back in 2023, he was managing the Pittsburgh Pirates when Philadelphia’s Rob Thomson selected him to be part of the National League staff. That opportunity came during a difficult stretch in Pittsburgh, but it underscored how Shelton was viewed across the league. Even as the results lagged, his peers recognized his baseball acumen and leadership.

      That reputation has carried over to his current role in Minnesota. Early in the 2026 season, the Twins have looked like a club with direction and energy. Whether it is lineup construction, bullpen usage, or simply the tone set in the clubhouse, Shelton has helped guide a team that is outperforming expectations. Managers rarely get full credit when things go right, but they are often first in line when things go wrong. In this case, Shelton deserves acknowledgment for helping steady the ship.

      The All-Star Game coaching nod is not about one hot stretch or a handful of wins in April. It is about trust, relationships, and respect built over years in the game. Being chosen twice by two different managers in separate leagues reinforces that Shelton is valued well beyond his own clubhouse.

      As the All-Star break approaches, Shelton will step onto one of baseball’s biggest stages once again. This time, he does so representing a Twins team that is attempting to build something meaningful. It may only be a few days in July, but it is another sign that Minnesota’s manager is earning his place among the game’s most respected voices.

      For a franchise looking to turn the page and establish consistency, that is exactly the kind of recognition that matters.

       

      Cody Christie

      Fresh off what has arguably been the most successful World Baseball Classic to date, Rob Manfred is already looking at ways to adjust the event’s future. That instinct is understandable given the tournament’s rapid growth, but it also raises a familiar question. Why fix something that is clearly working?

      Appearing on The Dan Patrick Show to discuss the beginning of the 2026 MLB season, Manfred was asked whether the WBC could become a more frequent event. His answer made it clear that Major League Baseball is seriously considering changes to the tournament’s cadence.

      “We’re gonna have a meeting on the WBC, which we always do after it is completed. I think the event was so successful this time that we need to talk about frequency, regularity of schedule,” Manfred said. “It’s one thing to not to do it every year, our problem because of COVID, labor negotiations, whatever, you can’t even say it’s every four years. It hasn’t been. Given how popular it is, we need to get into a regular rotation.”

      The desire for consistency is not unreasonable. Since its debut in 2006, the World Baseball Classic has never truly settled into a rhythm. It began on a three-year cycle before shifting to four years, only to see that plan disrupted by a six-year gap following 2017 due to the pandemic. When the tournament finally returned in 2023, it delivered one of the most iconic moments with a Japan versus the United States championship for the ages. That game alone proved the event had evolved far beyond exhibition status.

      By the time the 2026 tournament wrapped up, the momentum had only grown. Television ratings climbed, global interest surged, and the overall product felt bigger than ever. Fans were invested, players were all in, and the atmosphere carried a level of intensity that even October baseball sometimes struggles to match.

      That is exactly why Major League Baseball should proceed with caution. Manfred is correct in identifying the need for a clear and predictable schedule. A defined rotation benefits fans trying to plan around the event and gives broadcast partners something concrete to build around in future media negotiations. It is difficult to maximize value when networks are unsure when the next tournament will take place.

      However, consistency does not have to mean increased frequency. There has already been discussion of experimenting with more dramatic changes, including moving the WBC to the middle of the MLB season. That concept feels misguided. Players already balance a demanding 162-game schedule, and the mid-summer break serves a purpose. Asking them to replace rest with high-intensity international competition risks diminishing participation, which is the lifeblood of the tournament.

      Even a small adjustment, such as shifting to a two-year cycle, could have unintended consequences. Part of what makes the World Baseball Classic special is its rarity. When players know the opportunity only comes around every few years, the urgency is real. National pride carries more weight. The stakes feel higher. If the event becomes more frequent, that edge could soften.

      The World Baseball Classic absolutely needs structure. The past two decades have proven that a floating timeline creates confusion and limits its long-term growth. But structure does not require reinvention.

      Baseball finally has something that captures global attention in a meaningful way. The solution is not to tinker with its foundation, but to solidify it.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins have not exactly been operating from a position of fan favor in recent years, but they took a step in the right direction following a frustrating start to the season at Target Field.

      After a power outage delayed the home opener against the Tampa Bay Rays by roughly an hour, the organization chose to compensate fans who attended by offering free tickets to the team’s game on Friday, April 17, against the Cincinnati Reds. The game will include pregame happy hour deals and fireworks following the game.

      The Twins opted for a gesture that at least acknowledges the importance of their paying customers. That does not erase the lingering frustration tied to ownership decisions, particularly after payroll reductions following the 2023 season. The Pohlad family has drawn consistent criticism, and one goodwill move does not suddenly reset that relationship. Still, credit is warranted here. This situation was beyond their control, yet they chose to respond in a way that directly benefits fans.

      Leading into Opening Day, Tom Pohlad addressed the broader picture of fan engagement. “We can sell all the $2 beers we want. We can have all the concepts we want, but people want to see a winner, and I think the product we put on the field is ultimately what's going to drive, hope, if you will.”

      It is a fair statement, and it is also where the disconnect continues to live. Acknowledging that winning matters most is easy. Investing in a roster that reflects that urgency is something else entirely. The additions of Josh Bell and Victor Caratini provide depth and professionalism, but they are complementary pieces rather than franchise-altering talents. For a team trying to reenergize its fan base, that distinction matters.

      Yes, the Twins recently put together an impressive sweep against the Detroit Tigers, and any winning streak is worth appreciating. But short bursts of success do not carry the same weight as a clear long-term vision. Fans have seen hot streaks before, including last season’s extended run, and understand how quickly momentum can fade.

      Discounted concessions and makeup tickets help. They create a better ballpark experience in the moment. But sustained interest comes from belief in the team's direction.

      The Twins did the right thing last week. They deserve recognition for that. Now comes the harder part. Turning a small gesture into meaningful change is what will ultimately determine how this fan base responds moving forward.

      Cody Christie

      There are growing pains that come with any new technology, and Major League Baseball’s Automated Ball Strike challenge system is no exception. On Thursday, the Minnesota Twins found themselves in the middle of one of the most talked-about moments yet in the early days of ABS, a call so close that it is now fueling debate across the sport about what the strike zone should actually be.

      In the bottom of the second inning, Royce Lewis stepped to the plate against Jack Flaherty with a runner on first base. The count moved to 3-1, and Flaherty delivered an 91.3 mph fastball that was ruled a ball by the home plate umpire. Lewis began his routine jog to first base, shedding his gear as if the walk was already secured.

      Detroit catcher Jake Rogers tapped his helmet, signaling for a review. Within seconds, the Hawk Eye system took over and delivered its verdict. The call was overturned. Strike two.

      Not just a strike, but the closest confirmed strike yet under the system, according to Codify Baseball. Hawk Eye showed that the tiniest sliver of the baseball clipped the strike zone, enough to flip the call and send Lewis back into the box. Instead of standing on first base, Lewis was suddenly in a 3-2 count, and Flaherty finished the at-bat with another fastball that Lewis swung through for strike three.

      It is exactly the type of moment ABS was designed to handle, but it is also the type of moment that exposes how different a rulebook strike zone can feel compared to the one players and fans have grown used to seeing.

      The debate picked up quickly. MLB analyst Ryan M. Spaeder voiced frustration with how the system currently interprets the zone. He suggested a 50-50 rule, where at least half the baseball must cross into the strike zone to be called a strike. His argument centered on the idea that the current system effectively expands the zone beyond its traditional 17-inch width. When accounting for the baseball's full diameter, Spaeder argued, the zone can be closer to 22.8 inches wide.

      That interpretation has raised eyebrows, especially for hitters who now must account for pitches that barely graze the edge rather than clearly enter the zone. From a hitter’s perspective, the difference between a ball and a strike has never been thinner, literally.

      Still, not everyone sees a problem. There is a strong contingent across the league that believes this is exactly what ABS is meant to accomplish. For pitchers, a pitch that clips the zone is a perfect pitch, and the system rewards that precision without bias or inconsistency. In a sport that has long struggled with inconsistent strike zones from umpire to umpire, ABS offers a level of consistency previously unattainable.

      Royals reliever Matt Strahm even pushed back on Spaeder’s idea publicly, noting that if baseball is going to start redefining what counts as a strike based on partial entry, then the same logic would need to apply elsewhere. He suggests that the foul line/pole shouldn’t be fair then.  

      For the Twins, the moment was more frustrating than philosophical. What looked like a routine walk turned into a strikeout, and a potential scoring opportunity disappeared just as quickly as it appeared. It is the kind of swing that can change an inning, or even a game, and it underscores how impactful the challenge system can be in high-leverage spots.

      At the same time, it is hard to argue that the system got the call wrong. By definition, it got it exactly right.

      That is where the tension lies as baseball continues to adapt. The ABS system is doing what it was designed to do, but it is also forcing players, analysts, and fans to reconsider what they expect the strike zone to look like. The human element has not disappeared, but it is now being checked by a level of precision that leaves little room for interpretation.

      Moments like this one involving Lewis are likely to keep popping up as the season unfolds. Each will add another layer to the conversation about fairness and consistency.

      For now, the early returns suggest that while there may be flaws to iron out, the overall reception to ABS has been positive. Players are adjusting, fans are learning, and the league is gathering valuable feedback in real time. The strike zone may not look the way it used to, but it has never been more exact.

      Cody Christie

      Major League Baseball released its annual snapshot of Opening Day demographics this week, and while the numbers still point to a long road ahead, there are signs of meaningful progress. After dipping to a historic low in 2024, the percentage of African American players across the league has now risen in consecutive seasons, something the sport has not seen in roughly two decades.

      This year, African American players make up 6.5% of Opening Day rosters and injured lists, a noticeable increase from 5.7% the year prior and slightly above the 6.0% mark from two seasons ago. It is not a dramatic jump, but it is a step in the right direction for a league that has been searching for ways to rebuild its connection with Black communities.

      Development Programs Beginning to Show Results

      League officials have pointed to their investment in youth initiatives as a key factor behind the recent uptick. Programs such as MLB’s youth academies, the Dream Series, and the Breakthrough Series are starting to produce big-league talent. Of the 62 African American players on Opening Day rosters, 20 have participated in one of those pipelines.

      There is also a growing presence of high-end talent within that group. Nine of those players were former first-round picks, suggesting that the league is not only increasing participation but also developing impact players.

      The age distribution offers additional optimism. More than half of the current group is 27 or younger, while only a small handful are on the back side of their careers. That youth movement could help sustain growth if development systems continue to feed the pipeline.

      Twins Among League Leaders

      While the league-wide numbers are trending upward, the distribution across teams remains uneven. Six organizations began the season without a single African American player, highlighting how inconsistent representation still is from roster to roster.

      That is where the Minnesota Twins stand out. Minnesota enters the season with six African American players, tying them for the highest total in baseball alongside the Cincinnati Reds.  For a smaller-market club, that level of representation is significant, especially when considering that the Twins alone account for a sizable portion of the league’s overall total.

      The group is not just filling out the roster either. It includes key contributors on both sides of the ball, including starting pitchers Taj Bradley and Simeon Woods Richardson, along with Byron Buxton and Josh Bell on the offensive side. Having that presence in prominent roles matters, both in terms of visibility and impact.

      At a time when more than a third of the league has one or zero African American players, the Twins are providing a blueprint for what a more inclusive roster can look like.

      Areas Where the Game Still Lags

      Despite the positive momentum, representation remains limited in some areas. Certain positions continue to lack diversity, particularly behind the plate and on the mound.

      There are only a small number of African American pitchers across the league, a striking reality given the size of pitching staffs. Catcher is another position where representation has been historically low, making each breakthrough at that spot even more meaningful.

      Additionally, more than a third of MLB teams have one or fewer African American players, including several high-profile organizations. That imbalance underscores the importance of continued investment in grassroots development and access to the sport.

      A Path Forward

      The broader picture shows a sport attempting to reverse a decades-long decline. International participation continues to grow, and MLB remains a global game, but rebuilding domestic diversity is clearly a priority.

      For the Twins, this moment reflects both organizational success and an opportunity. Their roster composition places them among the league leaders in representation, aligning with MLB’s broader efforts to create more inclusive pathways to the majors.

      Progress is happening, even if it is gradual. And for a franchise like Minnesota, being at the forefront of that movement is something worth recognizing as the game continues to evolve.

       

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins community is mourning the loss of a member of its 1987 championship club. Tom Nieto has passed away at the age of 65 after suffering a heart attack, according to a message shared by his family and later confirmed by the organization on Monday.

      Nieto’s sister shared the news publicly, noting that he passed on March 27 while in Florida with his family. She described a man whose strength and resilience left a lasting impact on those closest to him, a sentiment that has echoed throughout the baseball world since the announcement.

      The Twins also released a statement shortly after the news became public.

       

      Nieto’s baseball journey began when the Twins selected him in the 31st round of the 1979 MLB Draft. Instead of signing, he chose to continue his development at the collegiate level, eventually going to Oral Roberts before being selected in the third round of the 1981 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals.

      A highly regarded prospect in the Cardinals system, Nieto worked his way through the minors before making his big league debut in 1984. He made an immediate impression during his rookie campaign, posting a 109 OPS+ across 33 games and establishing himself as a capable backstop. He had a role on the Cardinals team that reached the 1985 World Series, but St. Louis ultimately fell to the Kansas City Royals in a seven-game series.

      Two years later, Nieto found himself on baseball’s biggest stage again, but this time on the opposite side. After a stint with the Montreal Expos, the Twins acquired him during the 1987 season. In Minnesota, Nieto appeared in 41 games as part of a team that would go on to win the World Series, defeating his former Cardinals club in seven games.

      While his offensive numbers with Minnesota were modest, Nieto played a supporting role on a roster that has become one of the most beloved in franchise history. Across two seasons with the Twins, he appeared in 65 games and contributed as a depth option behind the plate during a championship run. In total, Nieto spent seven seasons in the big leagues.

      Following his playing days, Nieto transitioned into coaching, where he made perhaps an even greater impact. He spent seven seasons with the New York Yankees organization from 1995 through 2002 and later joined the New York Mets, working under manager Willie Randolph. With the Mets, Nieto served as both a catching instructor and first base coach.

      For Twins fans, his name will always be tied to 1987, a season that remains one of the franchise's defining moments. Today, it also serves as a reminder of the people who helped make that run possible and the lasting impact they leave behind.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins have made it clear they are trying to modernize the viewing experience. Since shifting to Twins.TV last season, the organization has experimented with new camera angles, broadcast enhancements, and presentation tweaks designed to keep fans engaged in a rapidly changing media landscape. On Monday night, they added another new element.

      Facing the Detroit Tigers, the Twins rolled out a player introduction straight out of the Monday Night Football playbook. Instead of the usual lineup graphic, each starter appeared on screen, introducing themselves and shouting out their college or high school. It was polished, energetic, and honestly, pretty cool.

      The concept worked. The execution, for the most part, worked too. What did not work was everything happening behind it.

      As each player delivered their introduction, the broadcast occasionally cut to wider shots of Target Field. That is where things took a turn. The backdrop for this primetime style rollout was a sea of empty seats, a visual contradiction that social media was quick to notice. No one was really taking aim at the idea itself. The production value was solid, and the players seemed to enjoy it. But pairing a bold declaration that Monday Night Baseball could rival Monday Night Football with a visibly sparse crowd felt like a miss.

      There are, of course, explanations. The weather did not cooperate, with temperatures dipping and wind chills settling into the 20s. It was also a crowded sports night, with the NCAA men’s basketball national championship drawing attention elsewhere. Those factors matter, and they are real.

      But they are not the whole story. The Twins drew just 1,768,728 fans in 2025, the lowest total the franchise has seen in a quarter century and the smallest in the history of Target Field. Early returns this season have not suggested a meaningful rebound. Through the first handful of home games, the team is averaging 19,381 in announced attendance, a number based on tickets sold rather than scanned. On Monday, the official figure was 12,569. Anyone watching could tell the actual turnout was lighter than that.

      There is a growing disconnect between the product on the field, the presentation on the screen, and the relationship with the fan base. Some of the most loyal supporters have become increasingly vocal about ownership, and in some cases, have chosen to stay home.

      That is what made Monday night feel so strange. The Twins delivered something fresh and entertaining, a glimpse at how baseball broadcasts can evolve and feel more personal. It should have been a moment that added energy to the ballpark and the viewing experience alike.

      Instead, it became a reminder that presentation can only do so much. You can dress up the broadcast, add personality, and borrow from the biggest stages in sports. But when the camera pulls back, the reality in the stands still matters.

      The idea was fun. The players bought in. The broadcast team executed it well. Now the challenge is making sure the atmosphere matches the moment next time they try it.

      Cody Christie

      Durability has never quite matched the talent for Byron Buxton. Over the course of his 12-year big league career, he has dealt with a wide range of injuries, many of them coming in ways that are hard to prevent. Whether it is crashing into walls, colliding with teammates, or wearing pitches, Buxton’s all-out style has often come at a physical cost.

      That reality made Friday night feel all too tense. In the seventh inning of Minnesota’s home opener against the Tampa Bay Rays, Buxton was struck on the right forearm by a 92 mile per hour fastball from Kevin Kelly. The reaction was immediate. He signaled for assistance and headed off the field, leaving a quiet concern hanging over the ballpark.

      It was not the first time this spring that Buxton had been in that situation. While playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, he was hit in a game against Team Brazil and forced out shortly after. That incident ultimately proved minor, with imaging showing no structural damage.

      This one followed a similar path. Shortly after exiting Friday’s game, the Twins announced that Buxton’s X-rays came back clean. The official diagnosis was a forearm contusion, meaning the injury is more about soreness than anything long-term.

      Buxton did not make much of it in his postgame remarks, keeping his outlook straightforward.

      “It’s an arm,” he said. “It ain’t broken, so I’m good.”

      That kind of update is about as positive as it gets, given the circumstances. On the field, Minnesota made sure the game itself did not slip away. After Buxton departed, the lineup came alive with a seven-run inning that flipped the night completely. Tristan Gray delivered the biggest swing with his first career grand slam, helping push the Twins to a comfortable 10-4 win.

      Even with the victory, Buxton’s status remains the real storyline. The Twins are still finding their rhythm with a 3-3 record to open the year, and his presence plays a major role in what this team can be. His early numbers at the plate have been modest, but his impact extends well beyond the box score when he is healthy and in center field.

      For now, the organization appears to have avoided a worst-case outcome. Buxton missed Saturday's game, but the early signs point to a manageable situation. Considering his history, that alone is enough to feel like a win.

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