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  • MLB Notes

    Read quick notes on the Minnesota Twins big league club, including injuries, lineup changes and roster moves.

    225 rumors in this category

      Cody Christie

      For months, the Minnesota Twins hoped Cole Sands could finally put his injury troubles behind him. Every time it looked like the right-hander was nearing a return, another setback followed. Now, his frustrating 2026 season has officially come to an end.

      The Twins announced that Sands will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow Tuesday, ending any chance of him pitching again this season. He'll also receive a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, with the organization optimistic that the procedure will allow him to have a relatively normal offseason and report healthy for Spring Training in 2027.

      It's an unfortunate ending to what became one of the most frustrating injury sagas of the Twins' season. Sands first landed on the injured list on May 2, retroactive to April 29, with what was initially diagnosed as a right forearm strain. At the time, Minnesota believed the injury would only sideline him briefly. Instead, it lingered for months.

      He began a rehab assignment in early June but was shut down after inflammation returned. As the forearm strain improved, Sands still wasn't feeling right, prompting the Twins to continue searching for answers. He underwent multiple MRIs and a CT scan before doctors determined arthroscopic surgery to clean up his elbow offered the best path forward.

      The 28-year-old restarted his rehab assignment earlier this month and finally appeared to be turning a corner. Over seven scoreless innings in the minors, Sands struck out eight hitters and earned another call back to the major league bullpen.

      Unfortunately, his return lasted just one appearance. Facing the Athletics over the weekend, Sands recorded only one out while allowing five earned runs. He finished with a -0.14 Win Probability Added (WPA), and although Minnesota held on for the victory, it was immediately apparent that something wasn't right. The Twins placed him back on the injured list shortly afterward, and the decision to proceed with surgery followed.

      It marks a disappointing interruption for a reliever who had quietly become a valuable piece of Minnesota's bullpen. Since making his major league debut in 2022, Sands has logged 207 1/3 innings with a respectable 4.21 ERA while consistently limiting free passes with a better-than-average 6.9% walk rate. 

      His breakout came in 2024 when he struck out 29.1% of opposing hitters, though that figure dipped to 21.5% beginning in 2025 as he transitioned into more of a contact-management role.

      Before the injury, Sands owned a 4.63 ERA across 12 appearances this season, but the numbers hardly tell the story of a year defined by rehab assignments, shutdowns, and unanswered questions.

      The good news for both Sands and the Twins is that the organization believes the surgery addresses the underlying issue that repeatedly derailed his comeback attempts. With the procedure coming now, the expectation is that he'll still have something close to a normal offseason rather than facing a prolonged rehabilitation into next year.

      For a bullpen that has already endured its share of injuries and turnover, losing Sands for the remainder of the season is another difficult blow. But after months of uncertainty, both player and club finally have a clear path forward. The focus now shifts from returning in 2026 to making sure Sands is fully healthy when pitchers and catchers report next February.

       

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      For the second time this month, Byron Buxton is being sidelined by a hip injury. It couldn't come a worse time for the Minnesota Twins.

      The Twins placed the All-Star center fielder on the 10-day injured list Wednesday due to a right hip impingement. Infielder Tristan Gray was called up from Triple-A St. Paul.

      Buxton has been bothered for most of the last three months with the hip issue, but he played through it before landing on the IL on July 6 with a strained right hip. He came back July 20 and played in seven games since, hitting just .160 in that span.

      Without Buxton, the Twins are down their biggest bat as they make an unexpected push toward a postseason spot. He is slashing .263/.320/.544 with 25 homers and 45 RBIs in 82 games.

      Gray is back from Triple-A, where he has been since July 20 as he went down when Buxton came back. Gray has a slash line of .232/.271/.333 with four homers and 29 homers in 63 games with the Twins.

       

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins received official confirmation on one of the organization's longest-running injury situations Wednesday. Right-hander David Festa will undergo two separate surgeries on Thursday, bringing an end to any possibility of a return during the 2026 season.

      According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, Festa will have a procedure to correct a shoulder impingement while also undergoing surgery to treat neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition caused by compressed nerves between the neck and shoulder.

      General manager Jeremy Zoll hinted last week that Festa was unlikely to pitch again this season. These operations make that outcome official and shift the focus toward getting the 26-year-old healthy for 2027.

      A Seemingly Endless Injury Journey

      Festa's shoulder troubles are nothing new. What initially appeared to be a manageable issue has lingered for nearly two years, preventing him from building any momentum.

      The Twins first sought answers last September when Festa met with a thoracic outlet specialist. Doctors determined that a compressed nerve was contributing to his discomfort, though surgery wasn't recommended at the time. Instead, he attempted to rehab the issue.

      Unfortunately, the symptoms resurfaced during Spring Training, preventing Festa from getting through his normal throwing program. He has remained on the 60-day injured list throughout the season and hasn't appeared in a regular-season game since last July.

      A Promising Arm Looking for a Fresh Start

      Before the injuries piled up, Festa was viewed as one of Minnesota's top pitching prospects. The former Seton Hall standout reached the majors in 2024 and flashed the swing-and-miss arsenal that made him such an intriguing prospect.

      Across 25 big-league appearances, Festa owns a 5.12 ERA over 117 2/3 innings. His ability to generate strikeouts has remained encouraging (25.7 K%), and his walk rate (8.3 BB%) has generally been under control. The biggest obstacle has been limiting home runs (1.45 HR/9), which have inflated his results despite otherwise solid underlying numbers.

      With two surgeries now scheduled, the Twins will be hoping this finally addresses the physical issues that have stalled his development.

      What Comes Next

      Because Festa has spent the entire season on the 60-day injured list, Minnesota will need to make a decision on his roster status once the offseason begins. The club will either have to restore him to the 40-man roster or expose him to waivers.

      Given Festa's age, prospect pedigree, and the flashes he has shown when healthy, it would be surprising if the Twins moved on. The more likely scenario is that they keep him on the roster while he continues his recovery, hoping the surgeries allow him to return at full strength for the 2027 season.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins finally welcomed Cole Sands back from the injured list over the weekend, hoping the right-hander could stabilize a bullpen that has searched for reliable late-inning options all season. Instead, his return lasted just one appearance.

      Before Tuesday's game, the Twins placed Sands back on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow strain and recalled right-hander Jack Anderson from Triple-A St. Paul to take his place on the active roster. The move comes just days after Sands completed a lengthy rehabilitation process that had already been interrupted once by another setback.

      Another Setback for Sands

      Sands had been sidelined since early May with a right forearm strain. Minnesota originally believed the injury would keep him out for only a short period, and he was cleared to begin a rehab assignment in early June. Those plans quickly unraveled. Inflammation returned during the rehab process, forcing the Twins to shut him down and restart his recovery from scratch. After weeks of waiting, Sands finally made it back to the major league bullpen this weekend.

      His return could not have gone much worse. Sands recorded just one out while allowing five earned runs, finishing with a -0.14 Win Probability Added (WPA). While the Twins had built enough of a lead to survive against the Athletics, it was evident that something wasn't right.

      Now, the club has its answer. Instead of building momentum after months of rehab, Sands is back on the injured list with an elbow strain, creating even more uncertainty around his future.

      Anderson Gets Another Opportunity

      To replace Sands, the Twins recalled Jack Anderson, who has quietly impressed in his first taste of the majors with Minnesota. After being claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox, Anderson has appeared in three games for the Twins. Across 3 1/3 scoreless innings, he has allowed just one hit while striking out four and walking one.

      His previous major league experience came with Boston earlier this season, where he logged eight innings over three appearances. Anderson allowed three earned runs on eight hits while recording six strikeouts and only two walks. Although the sample size remains small, it was enough for Minnesota to see something worth developing.

      His numbers at Triple-A Worcester were less dominant. Anderson posted a 4.57 ERA while striking out 20.0% of opposing hitters and walking 8.1% before the Twins claimed him.

      A Tough Blow for Minnesota's Bullpen

      Few relievers seemed more likely to impact Minnesota's postseason push than Sands. After establishing himself as one of the Twins' most dependable bullpen arms over the past two seasons, the expectation was that he would eventually return to reclaim a meaningful role in the late innings. Instead, injuries have limited him to just 13 appearances, and his long-awaited return ended almost as quickly as it began.

      Now, with an elbow strain sending him back to the injured list, the outlook becomes much more concerning. Depending on the severity of the injury, Sands may have already thrown his final pitch of the 2026 season.

      Cody Christie

      Few decisions in life are bigger than choosing who (and when) you'll marry. For four Minnesota Twins players, that milestone will arrive on the exact same day this offseason. Brooks Lee, Luke Keaschall, Ryan Kreidler and Cole Sands are all scheduled to say "I do" on Saturday, November 14, creating one of the most unusual offseason coincidences in recent baseball memory.

      Even more remarkable, none of them coordinated the date. The players planned their weddings independently before discovering during Spring Training that they had all landed on the same weekend. Major League Baseball highlighted the unusual coincidence in a July 22 post on X, jokingly asking, "Poor wedding planning?"

      The reality is much less dramatic. For baseball players, the offseason calendar leaves a relatively small window to plan major life events. Waiting until after the World Series avoids conflicts with the postseason, while pushing too deep into November starts running into the holiday season and offseason training schedules.

      Lee said that made mid-November the obvious choice.

      "You don't want to be too close to the end of October, and don't want to be too far [into November] because Thanksgiving is coming up. Seemed like everyone is going to choose that date."

      That explanation also made perfect sense to manager Derek Shelton, because he is a baseball lifer and his own wedding anniversary falls the following day. Shelton also won’t be attending any of the weddings, because he and his wife already have a Napa Valley trip planned.

      The overlapping guest lists extend beyond the clubhouse. Lee and Keaschall share the same agent, Adam Karon, creating a unique logistical challenge. Fortunately, both weddings will take place in central California, making it possible to attend portions of each celebration.

      "I think he's going to go to Keaschall's first and then ours," Lee said. "But they're both early in the afternoon because the sun sets so early."

      Kreidler's ceremony will take place in Southern California, while Sands will celebrate near his home in North Florida.

      Despite the scheduling conflict, none of the four players appear overly concerned. No current Twins players are expected to be in each other's wedding parties, making it easier for teammates and staff to choose whichever event best fits their travel plans.

      Keaschall said there was some humor in how everyone eventually realized they had picked the same date.

      "When you find out somebody's getting married," he said, "you ask when."

      Before this quartet celebrates one of the biggest days of their personal lives, Twins fans hope they'll have another reason to celebrate. If Minnesota can make a deep postseason run, the weeks leading up to November 14 could be filled with October memories instead of an early offseason. Then, after chasing a championship together, the four teammates can begin the next chapter of their lives on the very same day.

      Cory Moen

      The Twins have activated LHP Connor Prielipp and reliever Cole Sands. Prielipp will start Sunday's finale versus the A's. 

      Sands has been out since April 28 with a forearm strain so the Twins hope he will bolster a bullpen that has had its ups and downs throughout the year. 

      To make room on the 26-man roster, Jack Anderson was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul and Mike Paredes was placed on the injured list with an oblique strain. 

      Matthew Taylor

      According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, rival executives are increasingly expecting the Minnesota Twins to move catcher Ryan Jeffers before the trade deadline.

      In his latest report, Nightengale wrote, "Rival teams now believe that the Minnesota Twins will trade catcher Ryan Jeffers, with the Yankees the leading candidate to sign him."

      The report lines up with what has seemed like the most logical outcome for weeks. Jeffers is set to become a free agent after the season, meaning the Twins risk losing him for nothing this winter. Even if Minnesota decides to make a modest buy at the deadline instead of becoming outright sellers, dealing Jeffers could still make sense if it allows the organization to add long-term value while replacing his production internally.

      The timing of the report is also notable because the catching market changed dramatically on Sunday morning. Athletics All-Star Shea Langeliers suffered a torn meniscus in his knee and could miss the remainder of the season. Langeliers was widely viewed as the premier catcher available at the deadline thanks to his offensive production and team control through the 2028 season. With him now likely off the market, Jeffers becomes the clear top catching option available to contenders.

      That shift in the market only increases Jeffers' value and could make it even more difficult for the Twins to justify holding onto him through the end of the season. If multiple contenders are searching for catching help and the best alternative is no longer available, Minnesota could find itself in an excellent position to maximize Jeffers' trade value.

      Do you think the Twins should capitalize on Jeffers' value and trade him before the deadline, or should they keep him for a postseason push? Leave a comment below and start the conversation!

      Cody Christie

      The revolving door in the Minnesota Twins bullpen kept spinning on Tuesday. Minnesota optioned right-hander Woo-Suk Go to Triple-A St. Paul and recalled Jack Anderson, the organization's newest bullpen addition. It's another move that highlights the reality of the Twins' season: they're still searching for anyone capable of providing consistent innings out of one of baseball's least reliable bullpens.

      Go's latest opportunity came to an abrupt end after Monday's outing, when he surrendered three runs on four hits while recording just three outs. It was another reminder that, despite the intriguing upside that made him worth acquiring, the results simply weren't there.

      When Minnesota initially acquired Go, the club was required to place him on the active roster because of a clause in his contract. That requirement never meant the Twins had to keep him in the majors indefinitely, and after four appearances, they decided it was time for him to continue working at Triple-A.

      The numbers made that decision relatively straightforward. Over four innings with Minnesota, Go allowed four earned runs on eight hits while posting a 5-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The strike-throwing wasn't necessarily the issue. Instead, opposing hitters consistently squared him up.

      A 53.5% hard-hit rate paired with a 94.9 mph average exit velocity tells the story. Big league hitters were making loud contact and that's a difficult formula for any reliever to survive, especially one trying to establish himself with a new organization.

      The Twins clearly still believe there's something to work with. Otherwise, they wouldn't have targeted him in the first place. But for now, Triple-A offers a better environment to make adjustments without the pressure of protecting late leads in the American League playoff race.

      His departure opens the door for another fresh arm. Minnesota claimed Anderson from the Boston Red Sox organization just over a week ago, and Tuesday marks his first opportunity with his new club.

      The 27-year-old already checked one milestone off his list this season by making his major league debut with Boston. He also represented Great Britain during the World Baseball Classic, where he threw three innings, allowing one earned run while striking out three.

      In limited major league action with the Red Sox, Anderson logged eight innings across three appearances, allowing three runs on eight hits with six strikeouts and only two walks. It's a small sample, but one that showed enough promise for Minnesota to take a chance. His Triple-A numbers were more modest, posting a 4.57 ERA while striking out 20.0% of opposing hitters and walking 8.1%.

      Anderson isn't going to overpower hitters. His fastball sits just above 90 mph, but his arsenal relies more heavily on movement than velocity. He leans on an 81.4 mph sinker and an 80.9 mph slider, giving hitters a different look than many of the power arms found throughout today's game.

      Whether that profile translates consistently at the major league level remains to be seen. For the Twins, though, this isn't about finding the next All-Star closer. It's about finding competent innings.

      The bullpen has been one of the organization's biggest weaknesses throughout the season, forcing the front office to cycle through waiver claims, internal promotions, and role changes in hopes of uncovering a reliable contributor. Anderson becomes the latest pitcher to receive that opportunity.

      Sometimes those moves produce unexpected success stories. Other times, they're simply placeholders until someone else earns the next chance. Minnesota hopes Anderson falls into the first category.

      For now, the latest bullpen shuffle reflects where the organization is today: rebuilding relief depth one roster move at a time.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Just in time for a push before the trade deadline, Buck is back.

      The Minnesota Twins on Monday activated All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton from the 10-day injured list and optioned infielder Tristan Gray to Triple-A St. Paul.

      Buxton had been out since going on the IL July 7 with a strained right hip, the same ailment that kept him out for four games that week. Now, Buxton rejoins the Twins after being out for nearly two weeks and will be in the lineup Monday as Minnesota opens a big four-game series on the road against the Cleveland Guardians, who are in second place in the AL Central, just three games ahead of the Twins and one game behind the first-place Chicago White Sox.

      Buxton is slashing .271/.328/.575 with 25 homers, which ranks eighth in MLB, and 45 RBIs. Buxton, who has a lengthy injury history, hit a career-high 35 homers last year.

      Gray has been a valuable defensive piece on the infield, seeing quite a bit of time at shortstop, but has a slash line of just .232/.271/.333 with four homers and 29 RBIs. This likely opens the door for Ryan Kreidler to see a bulk of the time at shortstop and Brooks Lee backing him up.

       

      Cory Moen

      Twins GM Jeremy Zoll reported that Mick Abel and David Festa are both unlikely to pitch this year.

      Abel had arthroscopic elbow surgery on July 1. He looked good before going on the injured list. In his two starts before going on the injured list, he threw 13 innings, giving up zero runs and recording 16 strikeouts with just three walks. The hope when he went on the injured list was that he would be back later in the summer, but after surgery, it looks unlikely he will pitch again in 2026.

      Unfortunately for Festa, he has been on the injured list all year after dealing with a shoulder impingement in Spring Training. He was starting to work back, and in unfortunate circumstances, symptoms resurfaced, which put his rehab on pause. 

      Zoll stated that Festa may be dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome, but the team would know more once he visits a specialist. Festa dealt with thoracic outlet syndrome in September of last season, so the hope is that this isn't a recurring issue but something else. 

      With this news, the Twins rotation loses potential depth options, and maybe this leads to the Twins adding a starter if they do decide to buy at the trade deadline in a few weeks. 

      Matthew Taylor

      Minnesota may have an unexpected fan ahead of Sunday's World Cup Final.

      Spanish superstar Lamine Yamal was recently spotted strolling through New York City wearing the Twins' light blue City Connect cap, and the video quickly went viral across social media. Naturally, Twins fans immediately began wondering if there was some hidden connection.

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      QaBlI0OZiks.ico theScore (@thescore) • Instagram reel

      WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM
      1,615 likes, 18 comments - thescore on July 17, 2026: "Lamine Yamal stoped by a New York food truck with his girlfriend rocking a Minnesota Twins caps two days before the World Cup...

      As far as anyone can tell, there isn't one.

      Yamal has no known ties to the Twins, Minnesota, or the organization. The most likely explanation is simply that he liked the look of the cap, but it still provided some unexpected national exposure for the club.

      The 19-year-old phenom will lead Spain against Lionel Messi and Argentina in the World Cup Final on Sunday at 2 p.m. CT. Whether the Twins hat was just a fashion choice or the beginning of baseball's newest international fan, Twins fans seemed more than happy to claim him.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins officially unveiled their 2027 regular season schedule, providing fans with their first look at next year's road map. While game times and promotions will come later, the schedule already offers several intriguing storylines, including the earliest Opening Day in franchise history, another road opener, and a summer packed with marquee opponents at Target Field.

      Here's a closer look at what stands out from Minnesota's 2027 schedule.

      Earliest Opening Day in Twins History

      The Twins will begin the 2027 season on Thursday, March 25, when they travel to Kauffman Stadium to face the Kansas City Royals. It marks the earliest Opening Day in franchise history, one day earlier than last season's March 26 opener.

      Minnesota will spend the opening week on the road before returning to Target Field for its home opener on Friday, April 2 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

      The club will play six games during March, the most the franchise has ever played before the calendar flips to April. It also continues a recent trend, as the Twins will open the season away from Target Field for the fifth consecutive year and for the 14th time in the past 18 seasons.

      Target Field Loaded with Summer Marquee Matchups

      Fans won't have to wait long for attractive home series. The Twins will play 16 home games during April, welcoming the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres alongside several American League opponents. Once summer arrives, the home schedule becomes even more appealing.

      Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Minnesota will play 44 of its 81 home games, giving fans plenty of opportunities to catch baseball during the warmest months of the season.

      Some of the biggest draws coming to Target Field include the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants.

      The schedule also includes two separate seven-game homestands in June featuring opponents such as the Los Angeles Angels, Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians.

      Balanced Schedule Continues Across Baseball

      Major League Baseball's balanced scheduling format remains in place for 2027, meaning the Twins will once again play every other club in the league.

      Minnesota will face each of its four American League Central rivals 13 times, splitting home and road games against the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals.

      The interleague schedule brings 24 National League games to Target Field. Home opponents include the Nationals, Padres, Pirates, Mets, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Brewers and Giants. On the road, the Twins will visit the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Colorado Rockies, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and Miami Marlins.

      One of the highlights comes during MLB's annual Rivalry Weekend, when Minnesota travels to Milwaukee from July 16-18 before welcoming the Cubs to Target Field the following weekend, July 23-25.

      Road Trips and September Finish

      The longest trip away from home comes early in the season. Minnesota's toughest stretch will run from May 28 through June 6, a nine-game, 10-day trip that includes stops in Toronto, Detroit and Atlanta.

      When September arrives, the Twins will finish the regular season at Target Field. They'll host the San Francisco Giants from Sept. 21-23 before closing the regular season with a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers from Sept. 24-26. 

      Ending the season at home could prove significant if Minnesota finds itself battling for an American League Central title or postseason berth down the stretch.

      Still Waiting on the Details

      While the schedule is now official, several pieces of information remain to be announced.

      Game times, television schedules, promotional nights, giveaways and ticket sale dates will all be released at a later date. Those announcements typically come throughout the offseason as clubs finalize broadcast schedules and promotional calendars.

      For now, Twins fans can begin planning around an early Opening Day, another full slate against every Major League club and a summer schedule filled with some of baseball's biggest attractions.

       

      Cody Christie

      Every time Byron Buxton steps onto one of baseball's biggest stages, the questions inevitably follow. The Twins' franchise cornerstone drew national attention again this week after earning a starting spot in the All-Star Game, prompting another round of speculation about whether a player of his caliber could eventually end up elsewhere.

      Those conversations aren't new, and they likely won't disappear anytime soon. A healthy, productive Buxton is the type of impact player every contender covets. But while the outside noise continues, Buxton has remained remarkably consistent about where he wants his future to unfold.

      For him, Minnesota isn't simply the place where he plays baseball. It's home.

      “I have that peace of mind,” Buxton told the Minnesota Star Tribune. “My family, Minnesota is home for us. That’s where we want to be. That’s where they want to be. And that’s something that is not going to change. We done built our family up, two more kids now from Minnesota since I’ve been here. This is all they know, too.”

      Buxton's connection to the organization extends well beyond his contract. Drafted second overall by the Twins in 2012, he's spent his entire professional career wearing a Minnesota uniform. Through injuries, playoff appearances, individual accolades, and organizational transitions, he's remained the face of the franchise.

      That longevity is something Buxton has come to value even more as his career has progressed. Early in his career, he watched Joe Mauer spend an entire Hall of Fame-caliber career with one organization. More recently, during this spring's World Baseball Classic, Buxton found himself asking another lifelong franchise icon about what that experience has meant.

      The conversation came with future Hall of Fame pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who has spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

      “I was like, ‘Dang, bro, the only thing you know is blue and white, ain’t it?’” Buxton said. “He was like, ‘Love it.’ Just to see his reaction, though, I was like, ‘That’s going to be me.’

      “We’re blessed already to be able to play baseball, but to be able to do it with one team, and make your legacy there, that’s what makes it special. It’s somewhere you can always call home no matter what.”

      In today's game, careers with a single franchise have become increasingly rare. Free agency, trades, and shifting competitive windows make it difficult for players to stay in one place from debut to retirement. Buxton understands that reality, which is why the opportunity to build a lasting legacy in Minnesota means so much to him.

      It's also one of the reasons events like the All-Star Game carry added significance. Buxton isn't just representing himself on baseball's national stage. He's representing the organization and fan base that have supported him throughout his career.

      “That’s why you want to do those things,” Buxton said. “Putting on that Twins jersey, going out there in front of all those people and representing Minnesota, that’s special.”

      The speculation will likely continue whenever Buxton is healthy enough to remind the baseball world just how dynamic he can be. Elite center field defense, game-changing speed, and middle-of-the-order power make him one of the sport's most unique players.

      But while others continue imagining him in another uniform, Buxton has never sounded interested in the possibility.

      His focus remains on adding to his legacy with the only organization he's ever known, in the state his family now calls home. For a player who has experienced nearly every high and low imaginable in a Twins uniform, that commitment has never appeared stronger.

      Cody Christie

      The Twins have spent much of the season trying to patch together their bullpen without one of their most dependable relievers. Right-hander Cole Sands has been sidelined since early May with a right forearm strain, but after navigating a frustrating rehab process that included an unexpected setback, he appears to be trending in the right direction.

      Minnesota placed Sands on the 15-day injured list on May 2 after forearm discomfort forced him out of action. The organization originally hoped he would return relatively quickly, and he was cleared to begin a rehab assignment in early June. Those plans were delayed when inflammation resurfaced, forcing the Twins to shut him down and allow the injury to calm before restarting the process.

      After completing another throwing progression, Sands resumed his rehab assignment and immediately showed encouraging signs. During one of his recent appearances, his fastball averaged 93.7 mph, a noticeable improvement from where it had been earlier this season and an indication that his arm strength is continuing to return.

      His latest outing may have been his most encouraging yet. Pitching for Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday, Sands tossed a scoreless inning while once again seeing all of his pitch velocities climb above his season averages. It marked the second consecutive rehab appearance in which his velocity ticked upward, another positive indicator that he is getting closer to full strength.

      Even with the improved results, the Twins aren't quite ready to activate him. Saturday's outing came four days after his previous appearance, and Minnesota wants to see how Sands responds to a more typical major league workload before bringing him back. That likely means pitching on shorter rest, with back-to-back appearances a possibility, before the club is convinced he can handle the demands of a late-inning role.

      Before the injury, Sands wasn't producing at the level Twins fans had become accustomed to seeing. Over 11 2/3 innings this season, he owns a 4.63 ERA with a 22% strikeout rate and an eight percent walk rate. Opposing hitters have also produced a hefty 51.4% hard-hit rate against him.

      One of the biggest differences has been his fastball. Sands averaged 95 mph during the 2025 season, but that figure dropped to 93.1 mph before landing on the injured list. Even so, there were signs that better results could have been on the horizon. His 3.65 SIERA sits nearly a full run lower than his actual ERA, suggesting his underlying performance was stronger than the surface numbers indicate. It's also fair to wonder whether his forearm issue contributed to his rough final outing on April 28 against Seattle, when he surrendered two runs while recording just two outs.

      Despite his uneven start to 2026, Sands has earned the benefit of the doubt. Since the beginning of the 2024 season, he has developed into one of Minnesota's most dependable relievers, regularly taking on high-leverage innings while providing valuable multi-inning flexibility.

      The Twins have managed to survive his absence by leaning on relievers such as Yoendrys Gomez, Andrew Morris, and Anthony Banda before Banda's season-ending injury further thinned the bullpen. While several pitchers have stepped into larger roles, adding an experienced arm like Sands would give manager Derek Shelton another trusted option for the stretch run.

      If Sands continues checking the remaining boxes during his rehab assignment, his return may not be far away. A healthy version of the right-hander could help stabilize a relief corps that has spent much of the season searching for consistency. With velocity returning and his workload gradually increasing, the Twins finally have reason to believe one of their most reliable relievers is nearing his return.

      Seth Stohs

      Jack Anderson became available when the Red Sox DFAd him earlier in the week. He debuted for Boston in mid-April and pitched in three big-league games. He had two walks and six strikeouts, along with three earned runs over eight innings. At Triple-A Worcester, he was 2-4 with a 4.81 ERA this year. In 58 innings, he walked 21 and had 51 strikeouts. 

      Anderson grew up in Tampa. He was the 16th round pick of the Detroit Tigers in 2021 after playing at Florida State. He spent four seasons with the Tigers organization and the 2025 and 2026 seasons with the Red Sox. 

      Fun Fact: He pitched three innings in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for the team from Great Britain. He struck out three batters and gave up one run over three innings. 

      He will start by being optioned to the Saints. 

       

      Lefty Anthony Banda was moved to the 60-Day Injured List to make room for Anderson on the 40-man roster.  Banda had surgery recently on his left lat. Very likely to miss the remainder of the season. 

      Anderson throws five pitches. He throws a four-seam fastball 36.3% of the time. It averages just 90.4 mph. He throws a split finger (22.6%, 81.4 mph) and a slider (21%, 82.6mph). He also throws a sweeper (12.1%, 78.1 mph) and a curveball (8.1% 77.2mph). 

      John Bonnes

      The Minnesota Twins have optioned right-hander Eric Orze to Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday, clearing space on the active roster for Tommy Nance, acquired Friday from the Blue Jays. The Athletic's Dan Hayes first reported the move.

      Only a handful of Twins relievers have been leaned on more heavily than Orze, who has appeared in 35 games and thrown 41 ⅓ innings. But the results have lagged behind the workload. Orze carries a 5.27 ERA and 1.49 WHIP, with 36 strikeouts against 21 walks. What’s more, he’s been trending in the wrong direction, posting a 9.00 ERA and 1.78 WHIP since June 1st. 

      The 28-year-old came to Minnesota from Tampa Bay in a November trade for minor-league pitcher Jacob Kisting, following a promising 2025 in which he posted a 3.02 ERA over 41.2 innings for the Rays. Because he still has minor-league options, he was the path of least resistance when the front office needed a spot for Nance.

      Nance, 35, cost the Twins minor-league catcher/third baseman Ryan Sprock, last year's eighth-round pick. The veteran right-hander owns a 3.82 ERA over 33 innings for Toronto this season with a 24.5% strikeout rate, and he comes with three additional years of club control beyond 2026. 

      Orze figures to be a candidate to return quickly whenever the bullpen needs reinforcements. For now, he'll try to rediscover his 2025 form with the Saints.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Minnesota Twins, who had a massive sell-off at last year's trade deadline, appear to be a buyer this year.

      The Twins on Friday acquired right-handed reliever Tommy Nance from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor-league catcher-third baseman Ryan Sprock.

      Nance is a 35-year-old who has appeared in 32 games this year for the Jays, posting a 4.20 FIP (3.82 ERA) in 33 innings, walking 9.4% of batters, while striking out 24.5%. Nance made his MLB debut in 2021 and has appeared in 144 games, all but two in relief, with a 3.72 FIP (4.25 ERA). He has a 9.3% career walk rate and 25.3% strikeout rate.

      Nance is making $809,700 this season and is under club control for another three seasons.

      Sprock, 21, was an eighth-round draft choice a year ago out of Elon. He was just promoted to High-A Cedar Rapids, where he played two games, going 0-for-7. He had been at Low-A Fort Myers, where he had a .306/.436/.441 slash line with five homers and 37 RBIs in 65 games. He also had 14 stolen bases. Sprock is not on Twins Daily's Top 20 prospects list. He made 31 starts at catcher, 18 at third base and five in left field in addition to 11 as a designated hitter.

       

      Cory Moen

      The Twins have optioned outfielder Kyler Fedko to Triple-A after Thursday's loss against Cleveland. This likely makes room for Ryan Jeffers to return from the injured list in the upcoming series against the Angels.

      Fedko was on the major league roster for about three weeks, where he played in 14 games, going 0-16 with eight strikeouts. His first major league hit will have to wait, as he will be back with Triple-A St. Paul this weekend. He was mostly used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement in his appearances with the Twins. 

      Cody Christie

      The Twins will have to finish the 2026 season without one of their veteran left-handed relievers. Anthony Banda told reporters that he recently underwent surgery to repair his injured lat, ending his season. The veteran southpaw expects to be fully recovered in time for spring training next February.

      While the news isn't entirely surprising, it officially closes the door on any chance of Banda returning for a late-season playoff push.

      Banda was placed on the 15-day injured list earlier this month with what the Twins initially described as a lat strain. At the time, manager Derek Shelton acknowledged the injury was significant and suggested Banda's recovery would be measured in months rather than weeks. There was still some optimism that he could return, but this specific surgery eliminates that possibility. Minnesota will eventually transfer him to the 60-day injured list once it needs another spot on the 40-man roster.

      Although Banda's overall numbers don't jump off the page, he had quietly become one of the Twins' more dependable relievers before getting hurt. He finished the year with a 4.46 ERA across 34 1/3 innings, but those numbers were heavily skewed by a difficult start to the season. Beginning on May 5, Banda posted a 1.33 ERA over his final 20 1/3 innings. That stretch came with some favorable fortune, including a .259 batting average on balls in play and a 90.6% strand rate, but he consistently gave the Twins quality innings during that stretch.

      That's a difficult arm to lose for a bullpen that has struggled to find consistency all season. Minnesota's relievers own a collective 5.24 ERA, tied with the Royals for the worst mark in Major League Baseball. Even if Banda's dominant stretch wasn't completely sustainable, his absence leaves the Twins with even fewer reliable late-inning options as they continue to chase a postseason berth.

      Despite those bullpen struggles, Minnesota remains in the thick of the American League playoff race, sitting just a half-game out of a Wild Card spot. For now, Taylor Rogers and Kody Funderburk become the club's primary left-handed relief options, while Kendry Rojas was recalled to provide additional length out of the bullpen. If the Twins remain in contention over the next few weeks, adding another bullpen arm could become an even bigger priority before the trade deadline.

      For Banda, the injury comes at an unfortunate time in his career. After spending 2025 with the Dodgers, Banda struggled during the postseason and found himself designated for assignment in February because he was out of minor league options. The Twins acquired him by sending international bonus pool space to Los Angeles, hoping his recent success would carry over to Minnesota.

      Financially, the Twins still have a decision looming this offseason. Banda is earning $1.625 million this season and remains arbitration eligible for 2027. Minnesota will need to determine whether to tender him a contract before November, and the progress of his recovery will likely factor into that decision.

      Unfortunately for both Banda and the Twins, they'll have to wait until 2027 to find out whether he can continue building on his success with the club.

       

      Cory Moen

      Bailey Ober has completed his rehab assignment and been returned to the active roster prior to the finale against the Guardians. He threw 8 1/3 innings in two rehab starts with Cedar Rapids and St. Paul. Prior to going on the injured list, Ober had 12 starts for the Twins, with a 4.59 ERA and 4.98 FIP. He's had his ups and downs but the hope is that he can provide some veteran depth in a rotation that has showed promise at times.

      Along with Ober being reinstated, LHP Kendry Rojas was recalled from Triple-A. He's bounced between the majors at Triple-A this year. In his time in the majors, he has looked promising, throwing 16 1/3 innings over six appearances. In that time, he has struck out 18 hitters, but also walked 13. If he can improve the walk rate, there is plenty of promise in the young lefty, either as a starter, or more likely as a relief option going forward.

      The last move made was that Connor Prielipp has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a finger blister on his left middle finger. Prielipp has been solid in the rotation this year, most recently pitching on Wednesday, giving up three runs over five innings pitched in a game the Twins won in walk-off fashion. On the year, Prielipp has a 5.00 ERA and a much better 3.90 FIP. In 66 2/3 innings, he has recorded 71 strikeouts over 13 appearances. The timing of the injured list stint could be beneficial with the All-Star Break right around the corner, so Prielipp could miss fewer games as long as the blister doesn't turn into a longer-lasting issue. He was not scheduled to start until after the break, so he won't miss a start until after the All-Star break is finished. 

      Seth Stohs

      Darrell Jackson overcame several obstacles throughout his life, but on Sunday, he lost his battle with lung cancer, passing away at the age of 70. 

      Jackson grew up in Los Angeles in the '60s and early '70s. He and his family were affected by the Watts riots in the mid-to-late-'60s. He attended Locke High School which was established in 1967 to be a safe place for children and families, but they were unable to keep the race issues from coming in. There were frequent fights, and during Jackson's senior year, two people were shot in a targeted gang attack. The following January saw an 18-year-old student killed on the school jogging track in a gang-related shooting. He was just an innocent bystander. 

      Tyrese Gibson graduated from Locke in 1996, just two years before being signed by RCA Records. He has spent lots of time on Billboard Top 100 lists, and many now may know of him from his roles in the Fast & Furious and Transformers series of films. 

      Jackson played on a pretty good baseball team in high school. He pitched well, and the Twins made him their sixth-round draft pick in 1973. Fellow 1973 Locke High School grads included future Hall of Famers Eddie Murray and Ozzie Smith. Murray was a third-round pick by the Orioles and signed right away. Smith went undrafted out of high school, went to Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo on an academic scholarship and walked onto the baseball team. The Tigers drafted him in the seventh round in 1976, but he didn't sign. The Padres signed him after making him their fourth-round pick in 1977. 

       

      Jackson certainly could have signed out of high school. He didn't, opting to attend Arizona State University. He pitched there for four years and won three College World Series championships. 

      His time in the minor leagues was very short. His first professional start came in 1978 for the Orlando Twins, the team's Double-A affiliate at the time. He tossed nine no-hit innings. He made 10 starts and was 4-3 with a 1.80 ERA. In 75 innings, he gave up 52 hits, walked 32 and had 68 strikeouts. 

      On June 16, 1978, Jackson made his MLB debut at Met Stadium against the Detroit Tigers. The southpaw tossed 7 1/3 innings and gave up just one run despite giving up seven hits, walking four, and having seven strikeouts. Veteran Mike Marshall got the final five outs in a 5-2 win. The bottom three hitters in the Tigers lineup that day were all rookies, catcher Lance Parrish, shortstop Alan Trammell, and second baseman Lou Whitaker. 

      July 7th, he made his fourth career start at Oakland. He tossed a complete game shutout. In nine innings, he gave up just three hits and one walk, while striking out seven batters. 

      In a start on May 10, 1980, at Yankees Stadium. He tossed 10 scoreless innings. He gave up five hits and walked one batter. The Bronx Bombers lineup including Willie Randolph, Reggie Jackson, Lou Pinella, Graig Nettles, he gave up a double to Bucky Dent, and Bob Watson went 4-for-4 with a double. Doug Corbett got the final three outs for the save. 

      He went 0-5 with a 6.25 ERA in mid-June of 1982. The Twins released him. He pitched in Mexico briefly in 1983 but at that point, his career was complete. 

      Jackson pitched for the Twins in parts of five seasons. He went 20-27 with one save. He posted a 4.38 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP. 60 of his 102 career games pitched were starts. He certainly had flashes of greatness at times. 

      Later, Jackson acknowledged that there was a lot more going on in his life and in his body. He talked about drinking too much starting in college and then drank even more once he became a pro ballplayer. Like so many pro athletes in that era, Jackson struggled with cocaine and its addictive qualities. He said in a 2022 interview that he had mistaken money, drugs, women and attention for success. 

      When his baseball career ended, he continued to abuse alcohol and drugs. And at that point he found himself really fighting depression.  He went to treatment and rehab a few times. It didn't take. He happened to meet former big league pitcher Dock Ellis, who coincidentally is best known for pitching a no-hitter while tripping on LSD. He encouraged Jackson to keep going back to treatment. It didn't work, he would relapse, but finally, it took. Had he lived about three more months, he would have reached 40 years of sobriety. 

      And in that time, he has done a ton in the Los Angeles area to help kids and families. He led the 10-20 Club. He worked with a treatment center and others to create scholarships for young people who could not otherwise afford it or have the insurance to do so. As the name suggests, the intended audience for the program is between 10- and 20-year-olds. 

      Beyond working with communities and organizations and law enforcement and others to help fund the program, he was often there for the kids himself. He met with the kids, told his story, and offered his contact information to the kids with the OK to call him whenever necessary, any hour of the day. 

       

       

         

      Best wishes to the friends and families of Darrell Jackson! 

      Steve Drumwright

       

      One of the Minnesota Twins' All-Stars won't be going to Philadelphia after all.

      The Twins on Tuesday placed center fielder Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list due to an ailing right hip. Outfielder Alan Roden was called up from Triple-A St. Paul. Also, the Twins officially added right-handed reliever Woo-Suk Go, acquired in a cash trade Sunday with the Detroit Tigers, to the roster. He will be making his MLB debut.

      Buxton was selected Saturday to his third All-Star Game, but will not be playing in the game due to his injury. He has a .271/.328/.575 slash line and is among the AL leaders with 25 homers. He hit a career-high 35 homers a year ago. Buxton's career is littered with injuries that have prevented him from consistently putting up monster numbers.

      Roden has been having a good season at St. Paul this year, slashing .272/.397/.512 with eight homers and 24 RBIs in 33 games. Roden spent time on the injured list this season due to a labrum tear. He appeared in 55 games last year between the Twins and Toronto Blue Jays, with a .191/.261/.294 slash line, hitting two homers and driving in nine. Roden and left-hander Kendry Rojas were the return in the trade with the Jays for right-handed reliever Louis Varland and first baseman Ty France.

       

      Cody Christie

      The Twins made a low-risk addition to their bullpen depth on Sunday, acquiring right-handed reliever Woo-Suk Go from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for cash considerations. While the move won't generate significant excitement, it gives Minnesota another intriguing arm to evaluate as the club continues to fight for an American League Wild Card spot.

      Because Go had an assignment clause in his contract, the Twins must add him to the 40-man roster. Fortunately, Minnesota already had an open 40-man roster spot, so no corresponding move was necessary.

      Go signed a minor league contract with Detroit last December after spending the 2024 season in the Miami Marlins organization. The Tigers never promoted him to the major league roster, despite an impressive first half with Triple-A Toledo.

      Across 27 2/3 innings this season, Go posted a 2.60 ERA while striking out 29.1% of opposing hitters. He also has yet to surrender a home run. Some of those numbers have been helped by a favorable .239 batting average on balls in play, but the underlying traits remain appealing. His ability to miss bats and keep the ball on the ground gives the Twins another bullpen option with upside. That profile is especially valuable considering Minnesota's struggles to find consistency in relief.

      Outside of Yoendrys Gómez and Andrew Morris, few Twins relievers have provided dependable production throughout the first half. Morris owns an above-average 17.1 K-BB% rate and a 3.04 xERA over 40 innings. Gómez has taken on the closer role and has posted a 234 ERA+ with a 15.6 K-BB%. 

      As a unit, Minnesota's bullpen has posted a 5.28 ERA with a 19.9% strikeout rate, an 11.5% walk rate, and a 39.7% ground-ball rate. All four marks rank among the bottom ten bullpens in Major League Baseball. Only five teams have a lower fWAR total, and their -1.2 WPA ranks 23rd overall. 

      Adding Go doesn't solve those issues overnight, but it represents another attempt by the front office to uncover value without sacrificing future assets. The 26-year-old arrives with an impressive résumé from Korea. Before coming to Major League Baseball, Go was one of the KBO League's top closers, relying on a lively fastball and swing-and-miss slider to pile up saves. His transition to affiliated baseball has been uneven, particularly with his command, but his strikeout ability has continued to show up whenever he's been healthy.

      Minnesota is betting that those traits can translate against major league hitters. The timing also makes sense. The Twins improved to 44-47 with Sunday's victory over the Yankees and remain only two games behind an American League Wild Card spot. With the trade deadline still several weeks away, the front office isn't locked into either buying or selling. Moves like this allow the organization to add potential contributors while maintaining payroll flexibility and preserving its prospect depth.

      According to reports, Go is expected to join the Twins on Tuesday and should have an opportunity to make his major league debut shortly thereafter. How long he remains in Minnesota may ultimately depend on both his performance and the club's direction over the next few weeks.

      If the Twins stay in the postseason race, Go will have to earn every appearance in a competitive bullpen. If Minnesota slips further behind before the trade deadline, he could receive a longer opportunity to prove he belongs as the organization evaluates arms for both the remainder of 2026 and beyond.

      Cody Christie

      Monday's pregame news immediately raised concern when Byron Buxton was scratched from the lineup before the series opener against the Houston Astros. Fortunately for the Twins, the initial diagnosis could have been much worse.

      An MRI revealed that Buxton is dealing with a right hip impingement and is considered day-to-day. Manager Derek Shelton said the club has no plans to place him on the Injured List, offering encouraging news after another injury scare involving the franchise centerpiece.

      The issue became more apparent during Sunday's victory over Colorado when Buxton served as the designated hitter. Although he finished 0-for-4 with a strikeout, the bigger concern was how uncomfortable he looked at the plate.

      "He's dealing with a little hip thing that's going on," Shelton said. "We had some imaging done, we're waiting to get back on it. Yesterday after watching him in the box, it didn't look right to me, so we had a conversation. Just giving him a day."

      Shelton remained optimistic after receiving the imaging results.

      "I think right now we're at a day-to-day place. Really never want to get any farther than that. I think over the course of the last week we've seen how well he's moved. We've seen him on the bases. Just yesterday it just didn't look as comfortable."

      For Twins fans, hearing "day-to-day" attached to Buxton is about as positive an outcome as they could have hoped for.

      After years of seeing injuries derail outstanding stretches of play, 2026 has looked different. Buxton has stayed on the field for the overwhelming majority of the season despite a few minor scares. He missed a short period in May because of hip discomfort and later spent time at designated hitter after jamming his shoulder, but he has avoided an Injured List stint altogether.

      That availability has coincided with one of the best offensive seasons of his career. Buxton enters July slashing .268/.325/.573 with 25 home runs, tied for the American League lead. His 43 RBIs don't fully capture his impact, as he's once again become the top of the lineup force Minnesota envisioned years ago. That production has made him one of the favorites to start in the American League outfield at next month's All-Star Game.

      Even without him, Minnesota found a way to pick up an important victory. The Twins opened their series in Houston with a 5-4 win as Royce Lewis, Josh Bell, and Victor Caratini each homered. The victory improved Minnesota to 41-45, leaving the club 4.5 games behind in the American League Central while sitting just two games out of the final Wild Card spot.

      Those standings reinforce why avoiding an extended absence from Buxton matters so much. Minnesota has spent much of the first half hovering around .500, unable to string together the sustained winning streak necessary to climb into playoff position. With the All-Star break approaching, every game carries additional significance.

      Now the focus shifts toward getting him back into the lineup. The Twins continue their series against Houston on Tuesday night before wrapping things up Wednesday. Then comes a trip to the Bronx for a weekend showdown with the Yankees, a venue that has historically been one of Minnesota's toughest road assignments.

      If the Twins hope to build momentum heading into the All-Star break, having Buxton back in center field would be the biggest boost they could ask for. Monday's diagnosis doesn't guarantee he'll avoid further issues, but for a team whose season has already featured plenty of uncertainty, "day-to-day" qualifies as very good news.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Minnesota Twins have lost one of their left-handed relievers for a bit.

      The Twins on Monday placed lefty Anthony Banda on the 15-day injured list due to a strained left lat and called up right-handed reliever Cody Laweryson from Triple-A.

      In 39 games and 34⅓ innings this year, Banda has a 4.32 FIP (4.46 ERA) with a 9.6 walk rate and 21.2 strikeout rate. He has already hit a career-high eight batters. He appeared in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Colorado Rockies, allowing a hit, hitting a batter, walking another and striking out a pair in two-thirds of an inning.

      Laweryson is with the Twins for a second time this year after making the Opening Day roster. He also spent time on the 15-day injured list due to a strained right forearm. When healthy, Laweryson appeared in 14 games and had a 4.97 FIP (5.06 ERA), posting a 9.7% walk rate and 25% strikeout rate. He has given up three homers in 16 innings.

       

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