Ranking the Importance of the Twins Players Returning from Injury

The team expects each injured player below to return at some point before the season ends. Below is a brief explanation of their injury and an expected timeline for their return. The Twins haven’t been the most reliable at meeting those timelines in the past, but the current medical staff was new at the beginning of the year and can be given the benefit of the doubt. Other injured players that didn’t make the top five include Jose Miranda, Jorge Alcala, and Chris Paddack.

5. Nick Gordon, OF/INF
Injury: Right Tibia Fracture
Expected Return: September
Minnesota needs to improve offensive production from the corner outfield spots, and Gordon was looking to build off a 2022 season where he posted a 110 OPS+ in 136 games. Unfortunately, Gordon struggled out of the gate in 2023 with a .503 OPS in 34 games before fouling a ball off his leg and fracturing his right tibia. He had the cast and brace removed from his leg near the end of June. Gordon has yet to start running but has been working in the weight room. The Twins have other corner outfield options, but the 2022 version of Gordon would assist the offense. 

4. Brock Stewart, RP
Injury: Right Elbow Soreness
Expected Return: August
Stewart saved the bullpen earlier in the season when multiple players struggled in late-inning roles. He’s previously dealt with other arm injuries, and the Twins are attributing his latest injury to his increased workload in 2023. In 25 2/3 innings, he posted a 0.70 ERA with a 1.01 WHIP and a 35-to-11 strikeout-to-walk ratio. At the beginning of July, he threw from 90 feet without issue, but he will require a rehab stint before returning to the MLB level. Minnesota will likely be in the market for relief pitching at the trading deadline, especially since Stewart won’t return until August.

3. Caleb Thielbar, RP
Injury: Right Oblique Strain
Expected Return: August
Like Stewart, Thielbar was a critical component of the bullpen in the first half. Oblique injuries are complicated, as he tried to return early this season before reinjuring himself. Over the weekend, he threw a 30-pitch bullpen session and expects to throw another one early this week. His next steps would be to throw live batting practice before starting a rehab assignment. He doesn’t seem likely to return to the roster before the trade deadline, so the Twins will likely be looking for bullpen upgrades.

2. Royce Lewis, 3B
Injury: Left Oblique Strain
Expected Return: August
Lewis has been unable to catch a break regarding staying healthy, a trend that follows many of the team’s recent top prospects. Over the last two seasons, injuries have limited him to 38 big-league games, but he’s posted a 131 OPS+. He is expected to begin baseball activities this week after doing other core work over the last week. He may return to the line-up by early August, but more will be known after the team returns from their current road trip. There’s been some speculation that the Twins might be interested in trading for a third baseman, but it seems more likely for the team to rely on other players with the hope Lewis returns shortly after the deadline. 

1. Jorge Polanco, 2B
Injury: Left Hamstring Strain
Expected Return: Late July
Minnesota’s offense has lacked a particular element without infielders like Polanco and Lewis. His return can provide a veteran presence to the line-up, but the Twins will need to find a way for him and Edouard Julien to coexist in the same line-up. Polanco began a rehab assignment on July 16, and he will likely need multiple weeks to ramp up before joining the Twins. In 30 games this season, Polanco has posted a 102 OPS+ with nine doubles and five home runs. If the Twins make the playoffs, the line-up is better, with Polanco playing at full strength. 

How would you rank the injured Twins players on their importance to the club in the second half? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.