Twins right-handed starting pitcher Mick Abel won't return from the injured list this weekend after all. According to the Minnesota Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale, Abel suffered a setback after a 20-pitch bullpen session Friday and will undergo an MRI when the club returns to Minnesota.
All signs were pointing toward Abel making the start for Minnesota against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Sunday. Minnesota's starting pitcher for Sunday is listed as TBA, and Abel is with the team in Arizona after making his second rehab start with the Saints on Tuesday. Due to Abel's setback, it seems right-hander Mike Paredes, who allowed two runs over 4 2/3 innings in Minnesota's 4-2 win against Texas last Monday, will start for the Twins on Sunday.
This marks the second setback in Abel's attempt to return from the IL. Minnesota placed Abel on the IL on April 20 due to right elbow inflammation. He appeared on the verge of being reinstated in early May before lingering soreness in his right triceps led to a cortisone shot, slowing his recovery.
Finally, Abel began a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on June 10. He threw eight innings across two starts, allowing just one earned run on six hits and no walks with 10 strikeouts. His fastball looked sharp on Tuesday, averaging 96.3 mph and touching 97.9 mph. He looked ready to rejoin the Twins' rotation, but the injury bug has other plans.
Injury-riddled Twins pitching staff makes Abel's setback even worse
The Twins' rotation suffered a big hit when Bailey Ober landed on the IL late last month due to a right flexor strain in his elbow. The Athletic's Dan Hayes recently provided positive news regarding Ober's injury, stating that the right-hander thinks he will throw off the mound in Arizona. Still, Abel's recent setback is a huge blow for Minnesota, as Ober is still expected to be out for at least the rest of the month.
For now, the Twins will likely continue with a rotation led by Joe Ryan, Taj Bradley, Connor Prielipp and Zebby Matthews, with Paredes taking the lead in bullpen games as the fifth spot. Luckily, left-hander Kendry Rojas, who has a 1.26 ERA in 14 1/3 innings with Minnesota this year, should be returning soon, as he recently began a rehab assignment with the Saints. Rojas, who has been on the IL since late May due to triceps inflammation, can throw multiple innings at a time out of the bullpen and as a starter.
Add us as a preferred source on Google