Minnesota's Biggest July Acquisitions Might Be Three Players Returning From Injuries

The first half of the 2025 season has tested the Twins' depth, and while the team has managed to stay afloat in the standings, the reinforcements arriving after the All-Star Break might give them the boost they need to make a second-half push. Right-hander Zebby Matthews is back, while infielder Luke Keaschall and starter Bailey Ober are both trending toward returns over the next week. Each could play a critical role as Minnesota tries to decide the club's long-term direction.

Let’s take a look at each player’s progress and what their return could mean for the Twins.

Zebby Matthews: From Breakout to Big-League Ready
When Matthews landed on the injured list with a right shoulder strain in early June, the Twins lost a sophomore who had started to turn heads with his command and poise. Last season’s breaking pitching prospect had allowed seven earned runs over his last 16 innings with a 20-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio. 

The 25-year-old was just beginning to make his case as a long-term piece in the rotation, and now he may be right back in the mix. In his lone outing with Triple-A St. Paul last Sunday, Matthews looked as sharp as ever, striking out nine batters over four shutout innings. His fastball had life, his changeup had fade, and his breaking ball looked crisp.

Matthews took the mound for the Twins on Saturday in Colorado with the team in a must-win game after falling flat in the second half opener. He pitched four innings, allowing five runs on eight eights. Last season, the Twins saw Simeon Woods Richardson provide a lift to the team when the rotation was in shambles. Now, Matthews has an opportunity to do the same. It’s also a critical development with Ober’s health still in flux and trade deadline decisions looming.

Luke Keaschall: A Different Kind of Deadline Addition
When Keaschall fractured his forearm in late April, he was in the midst of an impressive breakout campaign between Triple-A St. Paul and the big leagues. In seven games with the Twins, he went 7-for-19 with three doubles, five steals, and more walks (5) than strikeouts (2). His absence has been felt especially as the Twins have struggled to find consistent production from the line up.

Keaschall began a rehab assignment at Triple-A St. Paul on Friday. He was the team's leadoff hitter and played DH in his first start. He finished the night 1-for-5 with a critical RBI in the ninth inning to add an insurance run. Minnesota will want him to get into multiple rehab games but it’s nice to know he will impact games in August and September. 

While it remains to be seen whether Keaschall will step right into a starting role, his right-handed bat and on-base ability could prove valuable, especially if the front office decides to trade from the infield surplus (Willi Castro, Ty France, etc.) or make a move at the deadline. Keaschall returning healthy gives them options, and the Twins love options.

Bailey Ober: Mechanical Tweaks and the Path Back
Perhaps the most impactful player nearing a return is Ober. After a rocky stretch in June, Ober was placed on the IL with a left hip impingement. His velocity had dipped and his mechanics seemed off, raising questions about whether an injury was lingering. It turns out, something was. But now? Things are trending in the right direction and he's made his first rehab appearance on Friday. 

In his start, Ober retired eight of the final nine men he faced and went four shutout innings allowing four hits while striking out three. He threw 50 pitches, 43 strikes. He threw 18 fastballs with an average velocity of 90.1 mpg and topping out at 91.6 mph. The Twins had few options for the rotation in June so they continued to send him out there despite his poor performance. 

If all goes well, he could return before the end of July, adding a reliable arm to a rotation that’s been held together by duct tape and rookie adrenaline. With the trade deadline less than two weeks away, having clarity on Ober’s health will be vital. The Twins don’t need to overpay for a starter if they feel confident in Matthews and Ober returning to form.

The All-Star Break is a time to reset and for the Twins to reload. With Matthews back in the fold, and Keaschall and Ober trending in the right direction, the Twins may be getting back more than just rest. They’re getting back three potential contributors, each of whom could play a pivotal role in the second half.

And in a season where the margin for error is slim, internal additions like these might be just as important as any trade deadline splash. 

Who will have the most significant impact on the Twins in the second half? Leave a comment and start the discussion.