Injuries Already Testing the Twins' Depth

One of the Twins' biggest focuses this winter was adding veteran depth to the big-league roster and helping the team manage injuries associated with a 162-game season. Every team deals with injuries, which is why getting the best performance from players on the roster is essential. The Twins hired new head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta away from the Athletics organization to deal with the team's injury woes. 

The Twins players missed the second most games due to injury last season, and a similar pattern is emerging for 2023. Here's a look at the team's injury situation so far this season, along with the roster replacements for each projected starter. 

Joey Gallo: Right Intercostal Strain
Roster Replacement: Edouard Julien
Gallo was off to a good start in his Twins tenure before an intercostal strain slowed him down. In seven games, he went 5-for-18 (.278 BA) with three home runs and one double. He told reporters he was in a good spot, but the decision to go on the IL was up to the medical staff. The Twins decided to take a cautious approach, and it helps to have one of the team's top prospects as a roster replacement. Julien has been impressive throughout his professional career, and this is his chance to show he belongs at the big-league level. 

Max Kepler: Right Knee Tendinitis
Roster Replacement: Matt Wallner
The Twins had been using Kepler in the lead-off spot against right-handed pitchers to start the season. He went 2-for-16 (.125 BA) in four games with a home run and a walk. During the Marlins series, he injured his knee while hustling down the first base line. There was some thought that he might be able to avoid the IL, but he tested the knee and felt some pain when he tried to decelerate. Wallner is the organization's reigning minor league player of the year and can fill a similar role on the roster to Kepler. In five Triple-A games, Wallner had gone 6-for-20 with two doubles, one triple, and one home run. 

Alex Kirilloff: Left Wrist Surgery
Roster Replacement: Trevor Larnach
The Twins took it slow with Kirilloff this spring after he dealt with wrist issues during the last two seasons. He began his rehab assignment in Fort Myers, which should put him on track to rejoin the Twins in the coming weeks. Larnach deserved to make the big-league roster after posting a 1.130 OPS during spring training. Over the last two seasons, he has shown the ability to be a middle-of-the-order bat when he is healthy. Currently, he's healthy and has been a vital part of the Twins line-up at the season's start. 

Jorge Polanco: Left Knee Injury
Roster Replacement: Willi Castro
Polanco ended the 2022 season on the IL, and his left knee had improved enough for him to be on the Opening Day roster. Like Kirilloff, Polanco has started playing in rehab games, including defensively at second base. Castro was a non-roster invitee this spring but made the Twins' Opening Day roster because of his defensive flexibility. He has played in a handful of games for the Twins, but the club has limited how regularly he has been a starter. When Polanco returns, Castro will likely be sent to Triple-A unless another injury impacts the roster. 

Kyle Farmer: Jaw Laceration
Roster Replacement: Kyle Garlick
Farmer was hit in the face by a Lucas Giolito offering during the finale of the White Sox series. He walked off the field under his own power, but there was some damage to his face. Luckily, he avoided a fractured jaw, but he had lacerations around his mouth and had to have some dental work. Gilberto Celestino will be transferred to the 60-day IL to make room for Garlick on the 40-man roster. Over the last two seasons, he has hit .233/.283/.446 (.728) with 11 doubles and 14 home runs. The Twins will use him primarily versus left-handed pitching.  

Expected Injuries: Royce Lewis, Chris Paddack
The Twins expected Lewis and Paddack to start the year on the injured list, but it still impacts the team's roster construction. Lewis is recovering from his second ACL surgery in the last two years. He is progressing well in his rehab and expects to be ready to return around midseason. Paddack is recovering from his second Tommy John surgery and hopes to rejoin the Twins by August or September. Minnesota signed him to a three-year, $12.5 million extension this winter that will delay his free agency by one season. 

Are you concerned by the number of injuries so far with the Twins? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.