MN Twins Injuries: Good News on Pitchers — Bad News on Matt Wallner

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Matt Wallner, Minnesota Twins
Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

If the Minnesota Twins had drawn up their plans as to how they’d like to see the regular season start, it would have been about the exact opposite as what it actually has. Not only are they 7-12 through their first 19 games, but multiple key players are dealing with injuries, too.

This week alone, they lost outfielder Matt Wallner, shortstop Carlos Correa and utility man Willi Castro. Thankfully, we saw Correa return in relief defensive duties on Wednesday, but the return status of the other two are more concerning.

Matt Wallner facing lengthy absence for Minnesota Twins

Matt Wallner was in the MN Twins dugout on Wednesday, but he shouldn’t be expected back in the lineup for a while. Local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson provided an update on Thursday’s episode of the The Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North). Minnesota officially placed Wallner on the injured list Thursday.

“I should mention Matt Wallner, it’s going to be a bit. This is not a ten day injury. This is much beyond ten days, the hamstring.”

Darren Wolfson – Skor North

The Twins acquired infielder Jonah Bride from the Miami Marlins. He is taking Matt Wallner’s roster spot. Bride doesn’t help in the outfield though, and even if he did, he isn’t making up for Wallner’s team-leading 0.6 fWAR.

Through 18 games Matt Wallner owns a .263/.373/.474 slash line. He has five doubles, a league-leading two triples, and a home run. Minnesota will be forced to lean heavily on Trevor Larnach, Harrison Bader, and DaShawn Keirsey Jr. in his absence.

Brock Stewart making rehab progress for MN Twins

Brock Stewart started his rehab assignment earlier this week with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. He too was dealing with a hamstring injury, that first popped up during spring training. He was able to pitch in back-to-back games this week, something that was considered a major hurdle in his progress to return to a big league mound.

If there is something of a concern regarding Stewart, it’s that his velocity wasn’t quite there. He threw 95 mph in his first outing and that dropped during his second. That’s a pretty noticeable drop from his 97 mph average the past two seasons.

Stewart has had a myriad of arm issues, but his stuff has continued to play. A decrease in velocity this time around could alter his effectiveness. It’s likely he sees his rehab progress to Triple-A St. Paul soon, where there will be additional data.

The Twins would love to have the same Stewart that turned in a 0.65 ERA across 27 2/3 innings during the 2023 season. He gave up just two runs that year and struck out 39 batters. That performance would slot him in high-leverage opportunities with Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran.

Pablo Lopez could be back to Twins soon

Don’t forget about Minnesota Twins ace, Pablo Lopez, who’s been on the injured list with a hamstring strain since April 11 (retroactive to April 9). He is progressing through the rehab process and will be on the mound this week for a rehab assignment of his own. He has to be on the injured list for 15 days.

Des Moines, Iowa is roughly a 3.5 hour drive for Pablo Lopez. That’s where he will don a Saints jersey, and pitch at Triple-A for the first time since 2021. He owns a 1.62 ERA (3.25 FIP) across 16 2/3 innings this year for Minnesota.

The Opening Day starter is looking for a bounce back year, after posting a 4.08 ERA (3.65 FIP) in 2024. Lopez has taken three turns through the rotation, but was lifted after just 4 2/3 innings in Kansas City on April 8 due to his hamstring strain.

David Festa has taken over the starting rotation spot in Lopez’s absence. The former top prospect has allowed just one run (unearned) in nine innings. He also has a 10/2 K/BB. It remains to be seen how Minnesota will slot Lopez back into the rotation, when he is eligible to return.

Related: Minnesota Twins Calling Up Top Pitching Prospect

Thus far, Chris Paddack and his 9.49 ERA (6.66 FIP) across 12 1/3 innings could be the odd man out. Simeon Woods Richardson has a 4.30 ERA (3.83 FIP) in 14 2/3 innings, and it’d be tough to send him back after he’s been in the big leagues for most of the past year.

We can’t let Gleeman slip that note in about Royce Lewis go unnoticed either. At roughly four weeks into his projected timeline, he should be about halfway through his recovery.

Michael Tonkin working back for Minnesota Twins too

Like Stewart and Lopez, Michael Tonkin is set to begin a rehab assignment of his own at Single-A, this week. He has been out longer than Stewart and last pitched in spring training on February 28th. Tonkin gave up four runs on six during Grapefruit League play. He also struck out three and walked two.

Last season the Twins brought Michael Tonkin back for the first time since 2017. He started the year with the Mets, was designated for assignment, and claimed by Minnesota. After the MN Twins DFA’d him, it wasn’t until a late summer move by the Yankees that he was again claimed off waivers.

For Minnesota Tonkin posted a 3.86 ERA across 16 1/3 innings. He has seen a career resurgence after resurfacing with the Braves during the 2023 season. The Twins are back in action on Friday against the Braves. Atlanta welcomes Minnesota to town off to a bad start of their own. Expected to contend for the NL East title, they are just 5-13 this season.

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