Although the MLB season is over halfway completed, it’s unclear what the Twins’ identity is. Holding a 47-49 record and trailing the Seattle Mariners for the third American League Wild Card spot by four games, Minnesota does not seem like it will make the postseason, but building off its current hot streak could quickly change that narrative. With two key Twins players reportedly beginning rehab assignments, maybe that narrative will get changed, after all.
Bailey Ober and Luke Keaschall beginning rehab assignments Friday, according to The Athletic’s Dan Hayes
Ober and Keaschall start rehab assignments at Triple-A St. Paul tomorrow. #MNTwins
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) July 17, 2025
Ober, who has been sidelined with a right hip impingement since surrendering seven earned runs against the Detroit Tigers on June 28, will make a rehab appearance with the Saints on Friday. He reportedly received anti-inflammatory medicine that has helped his hip feel better, and has thrown on the mound several times since landing on the injured list.
In five June starts, Ober allowed 30 earned runs on 38 hits and eight walks while surrendering 14 home runs in 30 innings. Minnesota lost all five of those starts.
Before Ober’s rough June, he went on a dominant 11-start stretch where he posted a 2.43 ERA with 47 strikeouts and 11 walks in 59 ⅓ innings. Whether his hip injury was the main reason for his struggles or not, a reset was clearly needed.
Keaschall, who has been sidelined since suffering a fractured right forearm on April 25, will also begin a rehab assignment with the St. Paul Saints on Friday. He has been facing live pitching at Minnesota’s complex in Florida.
The Twins promoted Keaschall, the Twins’ No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline, to the major leagues on April 18. In 26 plate appearances before getting injured, Keaschall slashed .368/.538/.526 with five stolen bases.
So long as Ober and Keaschall both look comfortable in Triple-A, the Twins likely will try to get them back to the majors as soon as possible. Minnesota has to turn its season around before the trade deadline in two weeks if it wants to avoid being sellers, and Ober and Keaschall have the potential to help the team look like contenders again.