The Minnesota Twins are gearing up for a crucial stretch of games leading up to the All-Star break, and manager Derek Shelton has some exciting news. Bailey Ober, the right-handed pitcher, is set to make his return to the mound on Thursday against the Cleveland Guardians. This marks a significant development for the team, as Ober has been sidelined for almost six weeks due to right elbow inflammation.
Ober's journey back to the rotation has been a challenging one. He was placed on the injured list after his start on May 30th in Pittsburgh, where he struggled with inflammation in his right elbow. However, the Twins' medical staff has been diligent in his rehabilitation, and he has made two successful Minor League rehab starts, most recently on Saturday for Triple-A St. Paul. Ober's performance in these games has been encouraging, as he has a 6-3 record with a 4.59 ERA for the season.
Shelton expressed his confidence in Ober's readiness for the big leagues, stating, 'Bailey came in good. He’s good. I would say there’s a strong expectation that Bailey will start tomorrow.' This return is particularly timely, as the Twins are in the midst of a crucial stretch of games before the All-Star break.
To accommodate Ober's return, the Twins have made a corresponding move by placing rookie right-handed reliever Marco Raya on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement. Raya has pitched six innings over three appearances with a 3.00 ERA, so his absence will be felt, but the team is confident in Ober's ability to fill the void.
The Twins' rotation for the upcoming games is shaping up to be a strong one. Righty Zebby Matthews, who suffered a right foot laceration in his last start, will take the mound on Friday against the Angels. He will be followed by All-Star Joe Ryan and the surging Taj Bradley, who will start the team's final game before the break on Sunday. Shelton noted the progress of the team's recovery, mentioning that players like Ryan Jeffers and Cole Sands are also making their way back from the injured list.
The Twins' rotation is coming together at a crucial time, and Ober's return is a significant boost. With a strong lineup and a solid rotation, the Twins are poised to make a run at the postseason. As the team prepares for the All-Star break, fans can look forward to seeing Ober back on the mound, adding to the excitement of the summer.
