When Do the Minnesota Twins Expect Key Players to Return from the Injured List?

Every team deals with injuries, and it’s easy for a fan base to be distraught by the number of players on the injured list at any given time. In 2022, the Twins were decimated by injuries, which forced the front office to renew its focus on roster depth entering the last two seasons. Minnesota has multiple key players on the injured list, but there might be light at the end of the tunnel. Here is a rundown of the Twins’ key injuries, with expected return timelines. 

Royce Lewis, 3B
Injury: Severe right quad strain
Lewis started the year with a bang, hitting a home run in his first at-bat on Opening Day. However, the celebration was short-lived, as he sustained a severe right quad strain while running the bases later in the game. Lewis was given a platelet-rich plasma injection last month to help him with the healing process. He has begun baseball activities, including hitting on the field and baserunning. Head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta told reporters that the team will better understand his return timeline when he does more extensive baserunning drills. The Twins initially expected Lewis to be nearing a return at the beginning of June, but a more extended rehab assignment likely pushes back that timeline. 
Expected Return: Mid-June

Bryon Buxton, CF
Injury: Right knee inflammation
Buxton tested his knee on the field earlier this week, and the team felt comfortable enough with his progress to send him on a rehab assignment. He is scheduled to play at Triple-A on Wednesday and Thursday, which could put him on a path to return to the team by this weekend. Even at the time of the injury, the Twins expected Buxton to need a minimum stay on the injured list. In the 14 games before his injury, Buxton was hitting .304/.360/.522 with five doubles, a triple, and a game-tying home run. Hopefully, he can return to help the team for their crucial series against Cleveland starting on Friday.
Expected Return: Mid-May

Brock Stewart, RHP
Injury: Right shoulder tendinitis
Like other players on this list, Stewart received a PRP injection after an MRI revealed inflammation in his rotator cuff. Stewart had initially told reporters that he hoped to throw over the weekend, but that didn’t happen.

“We have to get his arm strength where it needs to be,” Paparesta said. “We have to get his range of motion where it needs to be. … But we hope to see him throwing here in the short term.” Stewart has been one of baseball’s most dominant relievers over the last two seasons, but injuries have limited him to 41 innings. He adds depth to the bullpen, but the team can be patient with him because it’s more important that he is available in the season’s second half.  
Expected Return: Twins are waiting to set a timeline

Justin Topa, RHP
Injury: Torn left patellar tendon
Topa was seen wearing a brace on his left knee because last week’s MRI revealed a 25% tear of his patellar tendon. He received a PRP injection and must continue to wear the brace for another week. Topa and the Twins decided on this recovery path over surgery, because he hopes to help the team in 2024. He will not throw for another six weeks and then take time to ramp back up. Minnesota is attempting to salvage part of his season, in what has developed into a brutal trade for both teams. 
Expected Return: After the All-Star Break

The Twins have been playing well, but players returning from injury can help the team continue to be successful. Stewart and Topa can add depth to the bullpen, while Lewis and Buxton are dynamic bats for the lineup. Other injuries will happen in a 162-game season, so it's important for these players to return and provide value to the club.

Which player will have the most significant impact on the Twins in 2024? Which injury is the most concerning? Leave a comment and start the discussion.