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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rocco Baldelli Shines Light on Timing of Pablo Lopez Injury
Minnesota have already won their four-game road battle this week against the Athletics. Unfortunately, they lost the war of attrition, in the process, when Pablo Lopez exited Tuesday's contest before the start of the sixth inning, after feeling something in his lower shoulder wasn't right. Two days later, we found out he has a grade two Teres Major strain that will put him on the shelf for the next 8-12 weeks. It's the same exact injury that ended Joe Ryan's 2024 season last August. Rocco Baldelli feels good about Pablo Lopez' return timeline But even with yesterday's bad news, MN Twins manager Rocco Baldelli remains positive regarding Pablo's recovery and the likelihood he makes it back for a playoff run. Joe Ryan suffered his injury in August last season, exactly 64 days later than Lopez did, which bodes well for his pre-playoff return. Looking at the calendar, it's easy to see why Rocco is so optimistic. Advertisement If Pablo had to sit out all the way until the 12-week mark, it would mean he's back by the end of August, with over a month to get right for the postseason. In a more best-case scenario, Pablo Lopez returns just before the end of July. Related: Carlos Correa Scratched from Minnesota Twins Lineup Either way, he should be able to get in anywhere from 5-12 starts in, before the regular season is over, barring any sort of setback. If you'll remember (even though we try to forget), August and September was when the 2024 Minnesota Twins season collapsed, without Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa and Joe Ryan. This time around, Pablo should be back just in time for that same late-summer run of crucial regular season games. That's huge, since prior to his injury, Lopez had posted a 2.82 ERA (2.98 FIP) across 11 starts (60 2/3 innings), leading the MN Twins pitching staff in fWAR, at 1.6. Minnesota's starting rotation has been an absolute strength this year, and Pablo Lopez has lead that resurgence. Now, it will be up to David Festa — who was called up in place of the Twins' ace — to try and tread water for the next two to three months. David Festa has a big opportunity for the Minnesota Twins And there aren't a lot of teams in the MLB more built to withstand a midseason front-of-the-rotation blow than the Minnesota Twins. Festa has already made three starts in place of Lopez, when he took a short-term trip to the injured list earlier this season. Advertisement In those three appearances, Festa posted a 1.38 ERA (2.38 FIP) with 15 strikeouts and 5 walks, in 13 innings of work. This time around, Festa will get his latest long-term opportunity in the big leagues. If he takes advantage, it could very well be the last time he ever gets called up, much like we saw with Bailey Ober two years ago. As a rookie in 2024, 'The Slim Reaper' pitched 54 1/3 MLB innings for the Minnesota Twins, posting a 4.90 ERA and 3.76 FIP. His overall numbers from last season do not tell the full story, however. Related: Top MLB Insider Casts Doubt on MN Twins Trade Deadline After giving up 12 total runs in his first two starts of 2024, David Festa was sent back to Triple-A for mor seasoning. When he returned, the 2021 13th round pick out of Seton Hall was a different dude, posted a 3.81 ERA (3.15 FIP) across his final 54 1/3 innings. Advertisement Prior to his call up last season, Festa was the Twins' top pitching prospect, and a consensus top-100 prospect nationally. In 28.2 Triple-A innings this season, the 25-year-old has a 2.83 ERA (111 ERA+), 34 SO, 4 BB, 10.7 SO/9 and a 0.977 WHIP. Related Headlines
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Big Time MLB Insider Suggests MN Twins Could Consider Trading… Byron Buxton
The Minnesota Twins have had a tale of two seasons, through 41 games. After they stumbled out of the MLB Opening Day gates to the tune of a 4-11 start, all sorts of questions were being raised surrounding the futures of Carlos Correa, Pablo Lopez and especially manager Rocco Baldelli. But since then, the MN Twins have gone 17-9, including a current eight-game win streak that has pushed their overall record to 21-20, above .500 for the first time all season. Now, they'll look to put a gap between them and that .500 line, with yet another win over the Orioles. Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images If they can stack some more wins this week, Byron Buxton & Co will turn their attention to the top of the American League Central Division, where the surprise Detroit Tigers currently sit 5.5 games above them, at 27-15. Advertisement While it's way too early to be counting down magic numbers, this streak of good play is certainly enough for MLB pundits to take the Minnesota Twins — who were picked to win the AL Central in Spring Training — off their trade deadline sellers lists… right? Buster Olney floats Byron Buxton as a MN Twins trade candidate Well, apparently not. Just Monday — fresh off a weekend sweep at home over the now 24-18 San Francisco Giants — well-known and highly-respected ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney suggested that the Twins could be open to dealing superstar center fielder, Byron Buxton, who has been their best player during this recent hot stretch. Olney argues that the outfield free agency market next offseason is expected to be historically thin, which could inflate offers for Buxton even beyond what they would normally be. But if the Twins have no interest in trading Buck, it seems weird for such a plugged-in reporter to float his name in an article like this. The would-be opportunists could take advantage of a really soft outfield market and get value if they're willing to dangle outfielders under team control beyond this season. For example, the Twins could set a solid price for Buxton and the Jays would probably draw a lot of interest for Daulton Varsho, an elite defender who won't be eligible for free agency until after the 2026 season. Buster Olney – ESPN Advertisement Outside of two games he missed mourning a death in his family. Byron Buxton has been a staple in the 2025 Minnesota Twins lineup, slashing an impressive .264/.304/.520 (127 OPS+), with the same speed he's become famous for. Buck's average 2025 sprint speed (30.2 ft/sec) leads all of baseball, and it's the fastest we've seen him since 2019. Byron Buxton's injury history is well-documented. His 102 games played last season were just the second time he reached the century mark during his 11 year career, and first since 2017. Those 102 games were also played at an incredibly high level. In 2024, Buxton slashed .279/.335/.524 (136 OPS+) with 27 doubles and 18 home runs. His 3.7 fWAR equated to a 5.9 per 162 tally which would have easily been the best of his career. This season he has been even better. Advertisement Related: What is Fueling This Minnesota Twins Hot Streak? Buxton's three triples put him on pace to best his career high (6) which he attained in both 2016 and 2017. He is also stealing bases with ease. After running just nine times all of last season (6-of-8), he is a perfect 8-for-8 so far this season. Buxton signed a seven-year, $200 million contract extension prior to the 2022 season. After being the second overall pick (behind teammate Carlos Correa) in 2012, hes' spent his entire professional career in Minnesota., which is where Byron and his family have made their home. Even with three-years and $45.4 million remaining on a deal that will see him past his 32nd birthday, Byron Buxton is still arguably the top asset in the Minnesota Twins organization, especially if they were to sell high. Why would the Minnesota Twins trade Byron Buxton? But unless they fall out of contention, there has to be more compelling reason to trade an embedded star like Byron Buxton. This is a player the Minnesota Twins drafted, developed, and someone who has given his entire professional life to the organization. Nonetheless, sometimes a professional team needs to rip off the proverbial band-aid and make difficult choices for the future health of their organization. The Pohlads' sale of the Twins, or lack thereof, has the front office strapped for cash. Advertisement While Buxton's deal is more than worth it, from a value standpoint, it's possible the Pohlads see it as $15 million per year that they could shed off the books, while simultaneously improving the talent and depth in their farm system. 'Typically, the upcoming free agent class serves as a tool to define most of the players who could be traded before that year's deadline — and quite simply, in the outfield, the pickings beyond Kyle Tucker are few. Buster Olney – ESPN If Minnesota were to make Buxton available, they should expect to demand almost whatever they want in prospect capital. The star center fielder has proven himself even healthier than the Twins could have possibly dreamed, through 41 games this season. Once Matt Wallner returns, the Minnesota Twins are uniquely positioned to try and replace a talent like Buxton, at least defensively, after acquiring Harrison Bader last offseason. Then, there is top prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez, who's in triple A and knocking on the Big League door. Don't forget about Luke Keaschall, who can play center when healthy. Then, there's DaShawn Keirsey Jr., who would also provide defensive relief in Buxton's absence. If Walker Jenkins can get healthy, he could be an option in the future, as well. In all likelihood, Byron Buxton isn't going anywhere It's not as though the Minnesota Twins will be rushing to build a statue for Byron Buxton, when his playing career eventually ends. Still, the Twins were built on players like Buck, who were drafted and raised in the organization. I can't see the Pohlads trading him for a cash/prospect grab. Beyond that, the 2025 Twins have pushed themselves right back into the AL Playoff mix. As of now, it no longer makes sense to consider trading your best player. If the Twins are going to chase down the division title, or land a wild card spot, they're certainly going to need Byron Buxton along the way. Advertisement $15 million is a moderate amount for a player of Buxton's caliber. His new teammate, Bader got $10 million from the New York Mets last year despite owning a career 92 OPS+ and coming off a season with a 69 OPS+. Related: Royce Lewis is Trying to Trade Speed for Health… While Buxton may be seen more as a quiet Joe Mauer leader as opposed to the vocal Torii Hunter-type, he has the respect of the clubhouse and the relationships there run deep. Oh, and he has a no-trade clause and has never made any inclination that he wants to finish his MLB career anywhere but the Twin Cities. The AL Central has proven to be a tough division this season. Detroit leads the pack at 26-15 with both Cleveland (23-17) and Kansas City (24-18) ahead of Minnesota, as well. The Twins' +19 run differential trails only the Tigers' incredible +84. Most likely, Buxton will be there to help the MN Twins try and catch the Tigers this summer.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Old Friend Makes Minnesota Twins Final Opening Day Roster
Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images The Minnesota Twins enter the final game of their 2025 spring training Tuesday vs the Colorado Rockies with a 12-15-3 record in Grapefruit League play. Their rotation has been set for over a week and position players were put in place Monday. Advertisement Rocco Baldelli set the Twins' starting rotation over a week ago, the position players were determined shortly after, on Monday. That left one final spot up for grabs in the bullpen, mostly thanks to injuries that have disrupted the reliever plans, entering the season. Randy Dobnak earns Twins' final bullpen spot Brock Stewart and Michael Tonkin are starting the year on the injured list. That opened a temporary spot int he bullpen that will initially be filled by Randy Dobnak (long relief), who had previously been cut from Minnesota Twins camp. He pitched six innings this spring and did not allow a run, posting a 7/3 K/BB. Last season was Dobnak's first in the big leagues since 2021. That's when he suffered a season-ending injury to his middle finger that completely derailed his effectiveness as a pitcher. Last season, Dobnak threw 133 1/3 innings at Triple-A St. Paul, posting a 4.25 ERA and 1.448 WHIP. Advertisement Randy Dobnak pitched in five games for the MN Twins last season, tallying a 5.59 ERA across 9 2/3 innings. He'll be in a similar role this time around and look to parlay his spring success into continued momentum at the big league level. Dobnak is in the final year of a five-year, $9.25 million extension he signed with the club prior to the 2021 season. Minnesota Twins Opening Day roster is set With Dobnak taking the final bullpen spot, the Minnesota Twins Opening Day roster is now finalized. Rocco Baldelli has 26 players that will make the journey north. Minnesota starts the year with three games in St. Louis and three against the White Sox before kicking things off at Target Field. Catchers (2) Infield (6) Outfield (5) Starters (5) Relievers (8) Ryan Jeffers Ty France Byron Buxton Pablo Lopez Jhoan Duran Christian Vazquez Jose Miranda Matt Wallner Joe Ryan Griffin Jax Edouard Julien Trevor Larnach Bailey Ober Cole Sands Mickey Gasper Harrison Bader Simeon Woods Richardson Justin Topa Willi Castro DeShawn Keirsey Jr. Chris Paddack Danny Coulombe Jorge Alcala Louie Varland Randy Dobnak Baldelli is certainly hoping that Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee can get healthy sooner rather than later. Their absence gives players like Edouard Julien and Mickey Gasper an opportunity to shine however. Tonkin and Stewart being out paved the way for Varland and Dobnak to start the year at the big league level. Advertisement There isn't a ton of ambiguity on the big league roster. Many of the starting roles have consistent options. The MN Twins bullpen, even down a key arm, is projected to be one of the best in baseball. The position player group has plenty of solid talent that is capable of producing a 90-win season. Related: Brooks Lee Explains Latest Back Injury and Return Timeline On the mound Minnesota has a strong top three, and a pair of back-end starters with safe floors. The Minnesota Twins experienced some late injuries during Spring Training, but the roster is in a relatively good spot to open the season. Baldelli will be hoping his team is ready to hit the ground running and put their late-season collapse from 2024 behind them. Minnesota is currently projected to win the AL Central division. All of that goes out the window once the games start to count though. It's time to get it done on the field. Advertisement More must-reads:
