The Minnesota Twins announced a flurry of roster moves Sunday morning, placing right-handed starting pitcher Bailey Ober on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation, optioning right-handed reliever John Klein to Triple-A St. Paul, recalling right-handed reliever Travis Adams and selecting the contract of right-hander Mike Paredes.
Ober had his worst start of the season against the Pittsburgh Pirates Saturday, and now we know a likely huge reason why. In 4 2/3 innings yesterday, Ober allowed eight runs (seven earned) on 12 hits (three homers) and one walk with three strikeouts on 97 pitches. After his rough outing, Ober's season ERA rose from 3.92 to 4.59.
Ober landing on the IL is a huge blow for Minnesota's pitching staff. The Twins are monitoring the innings of starters Connor Prielipp, who is on pace to shatter his personal innings record, and Taj Bradley, who missed two weeks this month with right pectoralis muscle inflammation. Additionally, Mick Abel has been on the IL since April 17, and Kendry Rojas was placed on the IL with elbow inflammation this past week. Not to mention, the Twins designated Simeon Woods Richardson for assignment Saturday.
Who will take Ober's roster spot now that he's on IL with Abel, Rojas?
Without Ober, the Twins will have to lean even harder on their pitching depth. The Twins' starting rotation currently consists of Joe Ryan, Zebby Matthews, Bradley and Prielipp. As for the other spot, the Twins could go with rookie Andrew Morris, who has been a reliever for Minnesota but was a starter in the minors, or Paredes.
It's unclear whether the Twins plan to use Paredes, 25, as a reliever or a starter. The right-hander has been a starter in the minors this year, so Minnesota could use him as a bulk reliever or have him take Ober's rotation spot. In nine appearances (seven starts) with Triple-A St. Paul this season, Paredes, who has yet to make his MLB debut, posted a 3.38 ERA with 33 strikeouts and eight walks across 34 2/3 innings. The young righty's pitch arsenal consists of three pitches: a 93-95 mph four-seamer, a high-80s changeup and a high-70s/low-80s sweeper.
The Twins aim to avoid a sweep against the Pirates in the series finale of a three-game set at PNC Park today. The game is scheduled to begin at 12:35 p.m. CDT and will be available to stream on Twins TV.
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