The Twins added one middle relief pitcher (Trevor Richards) at the trade deadline, forcing the team to rely on internal options down the stretch. Are any key players about to return? Which players will be expected to step in if injury timeframes are extended? Let’s look at the team’s roster and the organizational depth chart.
Carlos Correa, SS.
Injury: Plantar fasciitis.
On July 20, the Twins placed Correa on the 10-day injured list with plantar fasciitis in his right heel. Last season, his left heel had the same issue, which had a big impact on his play. He had a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to deal with his injury.
Correa has begun to increase his baseball activity by practicing in the batting cages, running on the field, and taking ground balls. His next stage is to try to sprint without pain. The Twins intend to send Correa on a short rehab assignment to ensure his timing is restored before returning to the big leagues. Brooks Lee and Willi Castro have taken over at shortstop in Correa’s absence. Return Dates: Mid-to-Late August
Brock Stewart, RHP.
Injury: right shoulder strain.
Stewart’s most recent return from the IL was restricted to two appearances. He struggled in those games and was placed back on the injured list due to a recurrence of the right shoulder problem that had sidelined him for over three months. When healthy, Stewart was one of the American League’s most outstanding relief relievers. However, he has been limited to less than 16 innings this season. There is a chance his season is over, but the Twins will most likely try to ramp him up in a few weeks to see how much his shoulder can take. Minnesota has made it through most of the season without Stewart, with Griffin Jax and Jorge Alcalá filling in for him in the late innings. Return Date: Potentially Mid- to Late September.
The Twins added one middle relief pitcher (Trevor Richards) at the trade deadline, forcing the team to rely on internal options down the stretch. Are any key players about to return? Which players will be expected to step in if injury timeframes are extended? Let’s look at the team’s roster and the organizational depth chart.
Kody Funderburk, LHP.
Injury: left oblique strain.
Funderburk has been on the injured list since July 21, when he noticed his oblique bothering him while playing catch. He told reporters that his injury was likely to last six to eight weeks. Caleb Thielbar and Steven Okert have been the team’s primary lefty bullpen options. Minnesota was rumoured to be looking for a lefty at the trade deadline, but instead acquired Richards, a righty with reverse splits. Minnesota needs additional bullpen depth, and Funderburk will have an opportunity before the season concludes. Return Timeline: Late September.
Chris Paddack, RHP.
Injury: right forearm strain.
Paddack was intended to be the experienced at the rear of the rotation, but injuries have hampered his recovery from a second Tommy John surgery. He was placed on the injured list after feeling tightness in his elbow while throwing during the All-Star break. In early July, he missed time due to dead arm and shoulder fatigue. In Paddack’s absence, young pitchers Simeon Woods Richardson and David Festa have taken over the rotation. There is no certainty that Paddack will pitch again this season, and he may have to do so from the bullpen. Return Date: Potentially Mid- to Late September.
Kyle Farmer, IF.
Injury: right shoulder strain.
Farmer laboured with a shoulder injury for much of the first half before being placed on the injured list on July 11. His offensive play was significantly damaged in the first half, so getting him fully healthy might benefit the squad in the stretch run. The Twins have also utilized players on the infield, such as Lee, Castro, and José Miranda. He’s already on a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul, so Farmer should return shortly. Return Timeline: Mid-August
Justin Topa, RHP.
Injury: left patellar tendonitis.
Topa is on the verge of returning to the Twins. He has had several successful rehab appearances with the Saints. He is throwing despite a partial tear of a muscle in his knee that may necessitate surgery in the future. He was a valuable late-inning bullpen option for the Mariners last season, and he could be one of the main reasons the Twins did not splurge for a reliever at the trade deadline. Return Timeline: Early August
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