Bullpen help is on the horizon for the Minnesota Twins, and not from outside the organization. According to multiple reports, right-handed reliever Cole Sands is beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday. Sands, 28, has been on the injured list since May 2 due to a right forearm strain.
Cole Sands will head to the St Paul Saints for a rehab appearance tomorrow. He was playing catch with Mick Abel earlier today. No update on his return though. #MNTwins
— Declan Goff (@DexsTweets) June 1, 2026
Before landing on the IL, Sands posted a less-than-ideal 4.63 ERA and a 4.45 FIP with a 22.0% strikeout rate and 8.0% walk rate across 11 2/3 innings. However, he was likely dealing with his injury during his last outing on April 28, where he allowed two runs on three hits (one homer) across 2/3 of an inning. Before his last appearance, Sands had a 3.27 ERA and 3.53 FIP in 10 2/3 innings.
Sands' return could be a huge boost for the Twins' bullpen, which ranks 25th in ERA (4.77), 22nd in FIP (4.27), 29th in strikeout rate (19.0%) and 26th in bullpen rate (11.9%). Granted, Minnesota's relievers have been much better lately, but the team could still use Sands' experience. Once Sands returns from the IL, manager Derek Shelton will likely frequently use him in high-leverage situations.
Twins need Abel back more than ever due to various injuries
Goff's report of Sands playing catch with Abel marked the first update of the former Phillie we've received since May 18, when MLB.com reported that the right-hander progressed to playing catch at 90 feet. Goff's update doesn't give us much on Abel's status, but it's at least nice to hear his name in a report. With Bailey Ober and Kendry Rojas landing on the IL this past week, the Twins monitoring Connor Prielipp and Taj Bradley's injuries, and Simeon Woods Richardson being DFA'd, there's an even bigger need than before for Abel to return as soon as possible.
When Abel returns, he will join a rotation that consists of Joe Ryan, Zebby Matthews, Bradley and Prielipp. It's unclear what the Twins plan to do with the vacant rotation spot left by Ober's injury. Right-hander Andrew Morris seems like the most likely candidate to fill the role.
Game 1 of the Twins' three-game set against the Chicago White Sox at Target Field is scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m. CDT tonight. Ryan is slated to start for Minnesota, while rookie right-hander David Sandlin is scheduled to start for the White Sox. The game will be available to stream on Twins TV.
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