It's no secret that the Minnesota Twins need bullpen help, even though it did its job against the Texas Rangers in the first two games of a three-game set on Monday and Tuesday. Before Wednesday's slate of MLB games, Minnesota's relievers ranked 29th in ERA (5.09), 27th in strikeout rate (20.4%), 25th in walk rate (11.8%) and 27th in batting average (.252). Luckily, the Twins should receive bullpen help soon, as left-hander Kendry Rojas, who has been on the injured list since May 26 due to left elbow inflammation, has joined Triple-A St. Paul for a rehab assignment, according to Aaron Gleeman of AaronGleeman.com.
Kendry Rojas, on the Twins' injured list since May 26 with left elbow inflammation, has joined Triple-A St. Paul for a rehab assignment.
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) June 17, 2026
Getting Rojas back will not only help the Twins' struggling bullpen but also the rotation. Rojas has made five appearances (one start) with Minnesota this season, throwing two or more innings in each outing. Overall, the rookie southpaw has posted a 1.26 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 14 1/3 innings with the Twins this year. Since he can throw multiple innings out of the bullpen and make a spot start when needed, having Rojas gives manager Derek Shelton more flexibility with his pitching staff.
Abel, who allowed one run on four hits and no walks with five strikeouts across five innings in his second rehab appearance on Tuesday, could return to Minnesota's rotation this weekend. However, the Twins likely want to limit his workload because of his recent injury. Minnesota has also been cautious with Taj Bradley and Connor Prielipp due to previous injuries. The team will likely do the same with Ober when he returns from the IL, hopefully next month. Rojas can help the rotation receive more needed rest.
Rojas looked sharp over his last two outings with the Twins
Rojas, 23, allowed eight walks and eight hits across his first 7 1/3 innings in the majors, then had two strong outings before landing on the IL, hurling seven scoreless innings while allowing three hits and two walks with six strikeouts against the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox, respectively. The left-hander's four-seamer averages 96 mph (68th percentile), and he boasts an expected batting average of .199 and whiff rate of 29.3%. Along with his fastball, Rojas throws a high-80s slider, high-80s changeup and mid-90s sinker.
The Twins may regret trading Louis Varland, who ranked third among MLB relievers in fWAR (1.7) ahead of Wednesday's slate of games, to the Toronto Blue Jays last summer. However, Rojas, who was part of the deal, surely has a ton of upside. Not to mention, the other player Minnesota received in the trade, outfielder Alan Roden, is raking in Triple-A this year with a .986 OPS.
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