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  • MLB Notes

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

    235 rumors in this category

      Steve Drumwright

       

       

      The next man up in the Minnesota Twins' bullpen shuffle is Austin Voth.

      The right-hander had his contract selected from Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday, with the Twins sending right-hander Cody Laweryson down to St. Paul.

      Voth was designated for assignment by the Toronto Blue Jays, then latched on with the Twins on a minor-league contract on June 4. Voth made two appearances and pitched six innings for the Jays, giving up six runs on eight hits and five walks with just one strikeout. In three appearances at St. Paul, Voth surrendered nine runs (eight earned) on 14 hits with six walks and 17 strikeouts. Voth originally signed a minor-league contract with the Chicago White Sox this offseason before being released late in spring training.

      Laweryson has pitched in 16 innings over 14 games, posting a 5.06 ERA (4.97 FIP) with seven walks and 18 strikeouts.

       

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Minnesota Twins' dwindling pitching depth took another hit Sunday.

      The Twins placed right-handed starter Bailey Ober on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his right elbow. Right-hander Mike Paredes had his contract selected from Triple-A St. Paul and will be making his MLB debut. Also, the Twins called up Travis Adams and optioned fellow right-handed reliever John Klein to St. Paul.

      Ober was tagged for eight runs in 4⅔ innings of Saturday's 10-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He becomes the seventh Twins pitcher to go on the IL this season. Ober has been uneven this season, including giving up three homers Saturday and seven long balls in his last three starts. He has a 4.59 ERA with a 6.4% walk rate and 16.4% strikeout rate in his 12 starts this season, which includes a shutout.

      Paredes is an 18th-round draft choice in 2021 out of San Diego State and has pitched for Double-A Wichita and Triple-A St. Paul this season. Between the two stops, he has made 13 appearances, including 10 starts, and thrown 48⅔ innings, walking nine and striking out 54.

      Adams is making his third trip up from St. Paul this month after beginning the season on the 15-day injured list with a strained right triceps. Adams has appeared in seven games, throwing 10 innings with five walks and 12 strikeouts for a 7.20 ERA. The bullpen was in need of a fresh arm.

      Klein went two innings Saturday after being called up earlier in the day. He didn't allow a run, although he walked three and gave up a hit. Klein made his MLB debut this month and has now appeared in three games, allowing two runs in 4⅓ innings.

       

      05/31/26    Minnesota Twins placed RHP Bailey Ober on the 15-day injured list. Right elbow inflammation.
      05/31/26    Minnesota Twins selected the contract of RHP Mike Paredes from St. Paul Saints.
      05/31/26    Minnesota Twins recalled RHP Travis Adams from St. Paul Saints.
      05/31/26    Minnesota Twins optioned RHP John Klein to St. Paul Saints.

       

      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.

       

      Steve Drumwright

      As teams get set to attack the offseason, the Minnesota Twins have lost one of their pitchers.

      Right-handed reliever Eric Orze was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs on Monday. That takes the Twins' 40-man roster down to 37 as free agency is set to kick off at 4 p.m. CT.

      Orze was acquired last offseason in a trade for minor-league right-hander Jacob Kisting. Orze spent the first half of the season on the Twins' roster, appearing in 36 games and 41⅓ innings, putting up a 3.34 FIP but 5.66 ERA with an 11.1% walk rate and 19% strikeout rate. He was then sent to Triple-A St. Paul, where he had a 2.35 ERA in 19 games and 23 innings.

      The 29-year-old has a 4.68 ERA over 71 games and 84⅔ innings with the Twins, Rays and New York Mets in the last three seasons.

      Matthew Lenz

      After injuries to Zebby Matthews and Pablo López, we knew the Twins were going to have to figure out how to manage the pitching staff. This led to promotions of David Festa, Simeon Woods Richardson, Travis Adams, and Danny Coulombe. Adams has since been sent back to Triple-A St. Paul and Woods Richardson is coming off an abysmal outing against a below average Texas Rangers squad. Now, the Twins have transferred López to the 60-day IL and have claimed left-handed reliever, Joey Wentz, from the Pittsburgh Pirates to help eat innings out of the bullpen.

      Wentz, 28, has thrown 26 innings across 19 appearances with an ERA of 4.15 (3.77 FIP) and a 9.5% strikeout minus walk rate. He's a typical Falvey-esque pitcher with an extension in the 88th percentile and a mid-to-low 90s fastball that he counters with horizontal movement (cutter). He also has a curveball as his third offering.

      This is just a depth move by the Twins, who have relied heavily on their bullpen in the early going, but may also spell the end of the road for the struggling Jorge Alcala.

      Do you think this signals the end for Alcala? How long does Wentz last with the Twins? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      As the standings currently sit, the Minnesota Twins and the Detroit Detroit Tigers are the top two teams in the American League Central.

      Major League Baseball and ESPN are rewarding them by flexing their Sunday matinee to Sunday night baseball on June 29 starting at 6 PM.

      For the Twins, this will be their first time on Sunday Night Baseball in five seasons. They last played on Sunday Night Baseball in 2020 against the Chicago Cubs. That game featured six shutout innings from then rotation ace Jose Berríos followed by three innings of dominance from the Twins bullpen. Max Kepler had himself a night going 3-for-5 with a two run blast. Also of note, Target Field has not hosted Sunday Night Baseball since its inaugural season, according to Declan Goff.

      Hopefully the Twins can play better in front of a national audience than they did in front of their own fans against he Texas Rangers. 😬

      Peter Labuza

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

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

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

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

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins are continuing to reshape their front office. According to Bobby Nightengale Jr. of the Star Tribune, assistant general manager Daniel Adler is no longer with the organization. A source confirmed that the two sides mutually agreed to part ways, bringing an end to Adler’s nearly 10-year run with the Twins.

      Adler joined Minnesota in 2017 as the club’s director of baseball operations. He was promoted to assistant general manager in November 2019, moved up to vice president in 2021 and became an executive vice president in February 2025. His responsibilities eventually stretched well beyond traditional baseball operations, as he worked on both the baseball and business sides of the organization.

      On the baseball side, Adler oversaw areas including research and development, salary arbitration and rules compliance while remaining involved in roster construction, player acquisition, player development and athletic performance. His business responsibilities included information technology, human resources and business strategy and analytics.

      That makes his departure another notable change for an organization that has already undergone a significant leadership transition in 2026. The Twins parted ways with Derek Falvey earlier this year, leaving Jeremy Zoll to oversee baseball operations as the team's general manager. At the time, Zoll said the organization was still working through how responsibilities would be structured, while identifying Adler, Alex Hassan and Josh Kalk as key members of the leadership group.

      Now, one of those three assistant general managers is gone. Adler's background made him an unusual and highly qualified member of the Twins' front office. Before joining Minnesota, he worked for Boston Consulting Group and launched the Jacksonville Jaguars' football research department. He also spent time interning with Major League Baseball's labor relations department. Adler earned an economics degree, law degree and MBA from Harvard.

      The timing also creates an interesting opportunity for Adler. With his extensive experience across analytics, roster construction, arbitration and organizational strategy, he could draw interest from other clubs searching for front-office leadership. Houston, Anaheim and Sacramento are among the organizations with general manager openings, although it remains to be seen whether Adler will pursue one of those opportunities.

      For the Twins, the more immediate question is what comes next. Zoll is now firmly in charge of baseball operations, and Minnesota has already begun reshaping its leadership structure following Falvey's departure. Adler's exit adds another major piece to that transformation.

      The Twins' front office is going to look considerably different when the 2027 season begins.

       

      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

       

      The setback sustained by right-hander Mick Abel has a trickle-down effect.

      The Minnesota Twins on Sunday activated left-hander Kendry Rojas from the 15-day injured list, with right-handed reliever Justin Lawrence designated for assignment. Rojas, Twins Daily's No. 9 prospect, had been out since May 29 with inflammation in his left elbow.

      Abel, on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation, threw a bullpen session Friday in anticipation of him starting Sunday, but woke up Saturday with a sore elbow, forcing the Twins to come up with an alternate plan. That will be right-hander Mike Paredes starting the series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

      Rojas could be a relief option for Sunday. He has made five appearances (one start), including his MLB debut, and been very good. Rojas has a 1.26 ERA in 14⅓ innings, walking 10 and striking out 14.

      Lawrence has been DFA'd for the second time this season. The Twins acquired Lawrence for cash considerations from the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 2 after he was DFA'd. His brief time with the Twins did not go well. In six innings across seven appearances, Lawrence had an 18.00 ERA, getting tagged for 12 runs on 10 hits with nine walks and 12 strikeouts. This came after a 5.32 ERA in 22 games with the Pirates.

       

      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.

       

      Matthew Taylor

      Former Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Matt Shoemaker has a new job outside of baseball. Shoemaker was elected to a seat on the Saline Area Schools Board of Education in Michigan during Tuesday's election, winning by just 28 votes, according to The Detroit News.

      Shoemaker explained his decision to run for the school board to the Saline Post, saying, “I’m running for School Board to support our teachers and staff, expand opportunities for our students and help every kid succeed in school, on the field and in life.”

      He added, “I’ve learned great teams succeed when people are supported, everyone has a voice, and you work toward something bigger than yourself.”

      Shoemaker joined the Twins in 2021, signing a one-year, $2 million contract to serve as the team's No. 5 starter. Unfortunately, his time in Minnesota didn't go as planned. He posted an 8.06 ERA over 60 1/3 innings that season, before being DFA'd. Shoemaker never pitched in the major leagues again.

      Now, Shoemaker will take the lessons he learned in professional baseball into a new role, working to support students, teachers, and staff in his local community.

      Seth Stohs

      On Friday afternoon, Major League Baseball announced that former Twins and Phillies outfielder Max Kepler has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for Epitrenbolone, a performance-enhancing substance. It is an item that violates MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.     

      Max Kepler will turn 33 years old in a little more than a month. He is currently a free agent looking for his next home. After signing with the Twins in 2009 out of Germany, he spent parts of the 2015-2024 seasons in a Twins uniform. Over those 10 seasons, he was worth 20.5 bWAR. In 1,072 games, he hit .237/.318/.429 (.746) with 205 doubles, 161 homers and 508 RBI.

      His best season came in 2019 when he hit .252/.336/.519 (.855) with 32 doubles and he led the Bomba Squad with 36 home runs. He was never able to replicate those numbers. 

      He became a free agent for the first time last offseason. He signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Phillies. In 127 games, he hit .216/.300/.391 (.691) with 19 doubles and 18 home runs. 

      Free agency just became more difficult for Kepler. Some team will sign him and not have to pay him for the first half of the season. He can come back for the final 82 games of the season, but because of the suspension, he will be unable to play in the playoffs should the team make it. 

      Share your thoughts. 

       

      Cody Christie

      Mitch Garver has decided to call it a career after parts of 10 seasons in Major League Baseball. The former Minnesota Twins catcher spent time with the Twins, Texas Rangers, and Seattle Mariners, finishing his career with 110 home runs and a reputation as an offensive threat when healthy. His retirement closes the book on a career that included an award-winning season in Minnesota and a World Series championship in Texas.

      The Twins selected Garver in the ninth round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of the University of New Mexico. He consistently hit well in the minor leagues, but questions surrounded his ability to handle the defensive responsibilities of catching at the major league level. By the end of 2016, Minnesota had seen enough potential to add him to its 40-man roster and protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.

      Garver debuted with the Twins in 2017 but struggled to produce at the plate. He hit .196/.288/.348 without a home run in 52 plate appearances. The following season offered a glimpse of what was to come, as he launched seven home runs and posted a .268/.335/.414 slash line.

      Garver's breakout season arrived in 2019. As part of Minnesota's famous Bomba Squad, he hit 31 home runs in just 93 games and 359 plate appearances. His .273/.365/.630 line was good for a 155 wRC+, meaning he produced offensively at a rate 55% better than league average. He also earned a Silver Slugger Award, recognizing him as one of the American League's top offensive catchers.

      The 2019 season is remembered for its historic home run totals and the baseball used throughout the league. Still, Garver's production was impressive regardless of the environment. Catchers rarely deliver the same offensive output as players at other positions, making his power particularly valuable to Minnesota's lineup.

      Unfortunately, staying on the field became a recurring challenge. An intercostal strain limited Garver to 23 games during the shortened 2020 season, and he struggled offensively when available. Injuries again restricted his playing time in 2021, but he remained productive, hitting 13 home runs with a .256/.358/.517 slash line and a 139 wRC+ in 243 plate appearances.

      The emergence of Ryan Jeffers gave Minnesota another catching option and made Garver expendable before the 2022 season. The Twins traded him to Texas in exchange for Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ronny Henriquez. The following day, Minnesota sent Kiner-Falefa, Josh Donaldson, and Ben Rortvedt to the New York Yankees for Gary Sánchez and Gio Urshela.

      Garver's time in Texas provided another career highlight. He became part of the Rangers' 2023 World Series championship team, hitting .270/.370/.500 in 87 games during the regular season. He then signed a two-year, $24 million contract with Seattle before the 2024 season, but his offensive production declined. The Mariners released him in August 2026, and he later signed a minor league contract with the Yankees without appearing in another major league game.

      Garver finishes his career with a .229/.325/.432 slash line and 110 home runs. He collected 497 hits, scored 301 runs, and drove in 324. FanGraphs credited him with eight wins above replacement, while Baseball-Reference lists approximately 10.0 WAR. His career earnings totaled just under $35 million.

      Garver's career never followed a straight path. Injuries interrupted promising seasons, and his defensive limitations sometimes complicated his role. However, his offensive peak with the Twins remains memorable, particularly during the historic 2019 campaign. He leaves the game with a Silver Slugger Award, a World Series ring, and a place in the story of one of Minnesota's most entertaining teams.

      Cody Christie

      Rocco Baldelli will not be the next manager of the Seattle Mariners. The former Minnesota Twins skipper has withdrawn from consideration for the position, leaving another managerial opening without one of its reported candidates.

      According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Baldelli removed himself from Seattle’s search because of “family considerations.” The decision comes one year after the Twins dismissed him following a disappointing 2025 campaign and raises questions about when he might return to a major league dugout.

      For Twins fans, the news provides another reminder of a manager whose tenure included both considerable success and a frustrating conclusion. Baldelli is currently working as a special assistant to Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. He spent the 2026 season in that front office after managing Minnesota for seven seasons.

      Looking Back at Baldelli’s Twins Tenure

      The Twins hired Baldelli before the 2019 season, and he immediately helped transform the team into a contender. Minnesota won 101 games in his first season, setting a franchise record for victories and earning Baldelli American League Manager of the Year honors.

      That season established a pattern of regular-season success. Baldelli guided the Twins to three American League Central titles and three postseason appearances during his time in Minnesota. The club finished with a 527-505 regular-season record under his leadership.

      His tenure also included a long-awaited postseason breakthrough. Minnesota swept the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2023 American League Wild Card Series, earning its first playoff series victory since 2002. However, the Twins could not sustain that momentum. A September collapse in 2024 cost the team another postseason opportunity, and the club finished 70-92 in 2025.

      The final season became especially difficult after Minnesota dismantled much of its roster at the trade deadline. The organization traded numerous established players as it shifted its focus, leaving Baldelli to manage a depleted team through the end of the campaign. The Twins dismissed him after the season, ending a seven-year run that featured division titles, postseason disappointment and significant organizational changes.

      Is Baldelli Done Managing?

      Baldelli's decision to withdraw from Seattle's search does not necessarily mean he has abandoned the idea of managing again. After Minnesota dismissed him, he expressed interest in returning to a dugout while also acknowledging the importance of spending time with his family.

      Taking a front-office position with the Dodgers allowed him to remain connected to baseball without immediately jumping into another demanding managerial job. His experience with Minnesota, including his emphasis on analytics, defense and communication, could still appeal to organizations seeking a new direction.

      Seattle had emerged as a potential landing spot. The Mariners are looking for a replacement for Dan Wilson after finishing the 2026 season with a 76-86 record. Former Houston Astros manager Joe Espada and Chicago Cubs director of player development Jason Kanzler have also been reported as candidates.

      Baldelli's withdrawal removes a recognizable name from Seattle's search, but it leaves his own baseball future open. Whether he pursues another managerial opportunity this offseason or remains with the Dodgers, his next move will be worth watching in Minnesota.

      For the Twins, Baldelli's departure marked the end of an era. His latest decision offers no immediate change for the organization, but it keeps the former manager's name in the conversation as teams across baseball look for leadership ahead of 2027.

       

      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

      A former Minnesota Twins catching prospect is officially eligible to return to affiliated baseball, closing the chapter on one of the most confusing and controversial situations the organization has dealt with in recent years. Derek Bender, a sixth-round pick in 2024, was released by the Twins in September 2024 after allegations surfaced that he tipped pitches to opposing hitters during a Florida State League doubleheader. Major League Baseball confirmed to The Athletic that his discipline has been served and he can now sign with any club.

      Bender, who missed the entire 2025 season due to what MLB described as his “conduct,” issued a broad apology through the MLB Players Association. His statement did not directly address whether he gave away pitches, yet it showed a player grappling with the end of a draining year. “After further reflection, I would like to apologize to the Minnesota Twins organization, my former teammates and coaches, and the fans, for my actions at the conclusion of the 2024 season,” Bender said. He added that he had been struggling with his mental health, noting, “Over the past year, I have been working hard, both on and off the field, to become the best player and teammate I can be.”

      In a February interview with The Athletic, however, Bender pushed back strongly on the core accusation. Asked directly if he gave pitches away, he responded, “No.” He went even further, saying, “And I’ll live with this until the day I die. I never gave pitches away. I never tried to give the opposing team an advantage against my own team.” At the same time, he acknowledged the physical and mental exhaustion he felt near the end of the season, mentioning joking conversations with teammates about errors and the shared feeling that “everybody’s ready to go home.”

      The league never publicly stated what conduct triggered Bender’s discipline, and investigators did not find gambling involvement of any kind. A league source told The Athletic that MLB had been examining a potential violation of rule 21(a), which covers intentionally losing games. A confirmed violation would have resulted in a lifetime ban, but the negotiated agreement sidestepped a formal ruling and allowed Bender to return after serving a season long suspension.

      With the matter now resolved, Bender has started contacting clubs to express his interest in returning. He spent last year with the Brockton Rox of the Frontier League, playing 92 games while hitting .282 with 11 home runs and 54 runs batted in. Despite the turmoil, he expressed a renewed commitment to the sport. “This whole situation made me fall out of love with baseball,” Bender said. “But I realized that I want to win more baseball games in my career. I love baseball. I love winning. I love being a part of a team.”

      For now, Bender’s future depends on whether an organization is willing to take a chance on a player trying to move past a complicated ending to his time with the Twins. But at the very least, the door to affiliated baseball is open again.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      In addition to the major news of former first-round pick Royce Lewis being sent to Triple-A St. Paul, the Minnesota Twins made more than a handful of other moves Tuesday ahead of the second game of the series against the Houston Astros. The most noteworthy of those moves is catcher Ryan Jeffers going on the 10-day injured list with a broken left hamate bone, which could sideline him anywhere from one to two months.

      Here is the complete list of moves:

      • Optioned third baseman Royce Lewis to the Triple-A St. Paul Saints.
      • Placed catcher Ryan Jeffers on the 10-day injured list with a left hamate bone fracture.
      • Designated right-handed reliever Justin Topa for assignment.
      • Selected the contract of catcher Alex Jackson from the Triple-A St. Paul Saints.
      • Selected the contract of shortstop Orlando Arcia from the Triple-A St. Paul Saints.
      • Recalled right-handed reliever Travis Adams from the Triple-A St. Paul Saints.
      • Transferred right-handed reliever Garrett Acton (strained right shoulder) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.

      In other words, Lewis, Jeffers and Topa off the Twins' 26-man roster, with Arcia, Jackson and Adams now on the 26-man roster. Acton was moved to the 60-day IL to make room on the 40-man roster. There does appear to be one more 40-man move coming as FanGraphs lists the Twins with 41 players on the 40.

       

       

      Cody Christie

      Minnesota baseball lost one of its hometown connections last week. George Thomas , a former major-league utility player who wrapped up his professional playing career with the Minnesota Twins, died on October 23, 2026, at the age of 88. Although Thomas spent most of his big-league career with other organizations, his baseball journey eventually brought him back to Minnesota.

      Thomas was a standout at Bloomington High School before continuing his playing career at the University of Minnesota. His performance caught the attention of professional scouts, and the Detroit Tigers signed him in 1957 with a $25,000 bonus. It would take some time for him to establish himself in the major leagues, particularly after serving in the Army, but he eventually found his opportunity.

      The expansion Los Angeles Angels gave Thomas a chance to become an everyday contributor in 1961. He made the most of that opportunity, hitting .280 with 13 home runs across 79 games. His defensive versatility also became apparent, as he saw regular playing time in both the outfield and at third base.

      Thomas returned to Detroit through a midseason trade in 1963. The following year proved to be his best offensive season, as he established career highs with a .286 batting average and 12 home runs. His production dropped in 1965, and the Tigers eventually dealt him to the Boston Red Sox.

      Boston became an important chapter in Thomas's career. Rather than serving as an everyday starter, he developed into a dependable bench option who could provide defensive flexibility and contribute offensively when called upon. His value extended beyond the box score, making him a useful presence in the clubhouse.

      One of the highlights of his career came with Boston's 1967 team. The club captured the American League pennant and advanced to the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Thomas appeared in 65 games that season, even making an appearance behind the plate. He also saw action during the World Series.

      His final seasons in Boston included some impressive offensive numbers despite limited opportunities. Thomas hit .353 in 1969 and followed that performance with a .343 average in 1970. Over 685 major-league games, he finished with a .255 batting average, 46 home runs, and 202 RBIs. He also demonstrated remarkable versatility, playing every position except pitcher.

      Finishing His Career in Minnesota

      Thomas's final major-league stop brought him back to where his baseball journey began. The Red Sox released him on June 28, 1971, and the Twins quickly signed him. Minnesota used him primarily as a pinch-hitter and reserve left fielder. In 23 games, he collected eight hits in 30 at-bats for a .267 average, adding a double, two RBIs, and four walks. His final appearance came on September 6 against the Chicago White Sox. The Twins released him on October 27, officially ending his 13-year major-league career.

      Thomas wasn't finished contributing to Minnesota baseball, however. He returned to the University of Minnesota as an assistant coach in 1972 and eventually took over as head coach in 1979. During his three seasons leading the Golden Gophers, his teams compiled a 95-43 record. His 1981 squad captured a Big Ten division championship and earned a trip to the NCAA tournament. The university continues to recognize his legacy through the George Thomas Most Improved Player Award, presented in his honor.

      Thomas may not be among the most recognizable names in Twins history, but his story connects several important pieces of Minnesota baseball. He was a local player who reached the major leagues, contributed to a memorable Boston team, and eventually finished his playing career with his hometown organization. His return to the University of Minnesota allowed him to leave another lasting mark on the state's baseball community.

       

      Cody Christie

      Every franchise wants to believe it has been among baseball’s elite over the last quarter-century. A new set of rankings from The Athletic attempts to answer that question by putting a number on sustained success across Major League Baseball.

      Each year, the publication releases its MLB Franchise Rankings, measuring how teams have performed over the last 25 seasons. The system rewards postseason success while also accounting for division titles and long stretches of losing seasons. It is designed to measure consistency rather than simply rewarding a single championship window.

      The Athletic’s formula, adapted from Bob Sturm’s football system, fits baseball’s postseason: nine points for a World Series win, six for runner-up, three for losing in the Championship Series, two for Division Series, one for Wild Card loss. Additional adjustments include a point for division titles and a deduction for consecutive 90-loss seasons.

      Unlike many rankings that focus on recent performance, this system does not give extra weight to the most recent seasons. The goal is to capture the entire 25-year stretch from 2001 through today and determine which franchises have consistently found ways to stay competitive.

      Twins Land at No. 14
      Minnesota ranked 14th overall with 25 total points over the 25-year period. That position places them in the top half of baseball but just barely, reflecting a franchise that has experienced bursts of success mixed with frustrating postseason outcomes.

      Within the American League, only six teams ranked higher than Minnesota. The teams ahead of the Twins include the New York Yankees at second overall, the Boston Red Sox at fourth, and the Houston Astros at fifth. Those franchises have combined for multiple championships and deep playoff runs during the ranking period. A few more familiar American League rivals also finished ahead of Minnesota. The Cleveland Guardians ranked tenth, the Texas Rangers placed eleventh, and the Los Angeles Angels came in twelfth.

      For Twins fans, the ranking feels both fair and frustrating. Minnesota has been competitive in several stretches over the last two decades, but postseason success has been harder to come by. A few deeper October runs could have pushed the franchise comfortably into the top ten.

      A Steady Climb in Recent Years
      Even though the Twins sit in the middle of the pack today, the trend line has been moving in the right direction. The franchise ranked 14th in 2025 with 24 points. In 2024, Minnesota ranked 15th overall with 22 points. The year before that, they were down at 17th with 19 points. Just a short time ago, the franchise was much closer to the bottom half of baseball.

      The biggest jump came between 2022 and 2023. In the 2022 rankings, the Twins placed 22nd with only 11 points. At that point, the organization was still feeling the impact of several losing seasons and limited postseason success during the ranking window. Since then, the club has slowly climbed back toward the middle of the league. It is not a dramatic rise, but it shows that recent competitive seasons have helped stabilize Minnesota’s standing.

      What Comes Next
      While the recent climb is encouraging, these rankings may soon be challenging for the Twins. The system uses a rolling 25-year window, so Minnesota’s best seasons from the early 2000s will eventually drop out. When those years fall off, the Twins could lose points that now keep them mid-standings. The team will need new postseason appearances and division titles to maintain or boost its position.

      Fortunately for Minnesota, the path to those points might not be overly complicated. The American League Central has frequently been one of baseball’s most competitive but unpredictable divisions. No team has completely dominated the division in recent seasons, leaving opportunities for a club that gets hot at the right time.

      For now, the latest rankings paint a clear picture of the franchise over the last quarter-century. The Twins have not been among baseball’s true powerhouses, but they also have not fallen into the category of long-term struggling organizations. Instead, Minnesota sits right where the numbers say it belongs. Solid, competitive, and still searching for the October breakthrough that could change the entire conversation.

      Cody Christie

      The baseball world lost a memorable figure on Sunday when Jerry Koosman passed away at 83 years old. While Koosman will forever be remembered for his role in the New York Mets' improbable 1969 World Series championship, his story also has a special connection to Minnesota. The Appleton, Minnesota, native eventually returned to his home state to pitch for the Minnesota Twins, delivering one of the finest seasons of his career.

      Koosman was born in Appleton on December 23, 1942. His path to professional baseball wasn't exactly traditional. After being drafted into the Army in 1962, he continued playing baseball while stationed at Fort Bliss in Texas. One of his teammates recognized his pitching ability and helped get his name in front of the Mets organization. New York eventually signed the left-hander in 1964 for just $1,600.

      He made his major league debut in 1967 before becoming a full-time member of the Mets' rotation the following season. Koosman quickly established himself as one of baseball's best young pitchers, winning 19 games with a 2.08 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 1968. He finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting and earned his first All-Star selection.

      His place in baseball history became cemented during the 1969 season. Koosman won 17 games and posted a 2.28 ERA before helping New York capture its first World Series championship. He won Game 2 and then delivered a complete-game victory in the deciding Game 5 against Baltimore. He spent the next decade as one of the Mets' most dependable starters, including a 21-win campaign in 1976 that helped him finish second in National League Cy Young voting.

      However, after the Mets struggled through the 1978 season, Koosman requested a trade. New York eventually sent him to Minnesota in December 1978, giving the Appleton native an opportunity to pitch closer to home.

      A Minnesota Homecoming

      Koosman's arrival immediately paid dividends for the Twins. In 1979, he put together an outstanding season, becoming one of the American League's most productive starting pitchers. He finished with a 20-13 record, a 3.38 ERA, 157 strikeouts, and 263 2/3 innings pitched across 37 appearances.

      That performance earned Koosman a sixth-place finish in American League Cy Young voting. He also recorded 10 complete games, demonstrating the durability that had made him such a valuable pitcher throughout his career.

      Koosman followed that performance with another productive season in 1980. He won 16 games, struck out 149 batters, and logged 243 1/3 innings. His ERA increased to 4.03, but he remained a dependable presence in Minnesota's rotation.

      His final season with the Twins came in 1981. He appeared in 19 games, making 13 starts, and posted a 3-9 record with a 4.20 ERA before being traded to the Chicago White Sox. Koosman finished his Minnesota career with 39 wins, 35 losses, and a 3.77 ERA across 601 1/3 innings.

      Although his time with Minnesota lasted only two and a half seasons, Koosman gave the Twins a memorable return to his home state. He eventually finished his 19-year major league career with 222 victories, 2,556 strikeouts, and 53.6 bWAR.

      Koosman's legacy will always be connected to the Mets, where he became a Hall of Famer and had his No. 36 retired. However, Minnesota baseball fans also have a reason to remember the Appleton native. Before his career came to an end, he returned home and showed that the same left-handed pitcher who helped deliver a championship in New York could still compete among baseball's best.

      Koosman is survived by three children and four grandchildren. His passing marks the loss of a remarkable baseball player and a Minnesota native who made his mark on the national stage.

       

      Cody Christie

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

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

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

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

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

      The Velocity Question

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

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

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

      A Tale of Two Seasons

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

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

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

      An Important Addition for September

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

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

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

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      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.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

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

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

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

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

       

      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.

       

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