With MLB rosters set to expand from 26 to 28 men on Tuesday, Minnesota is reportedly calling up right-handed reliever Garrett Acton and utilityman Ben Ross, according to AaronGleeman.com's Aaron Gleeman. While many fans were hoping to see top prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez be one of the Twins' September call-ups, it makes sense why general manager Jeremy Zoll chose to promote Acton and Ross.
Looks like utility man Ben Ross and reliever Garrett Acton will be the Twins’ additions for September roster expansion.
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) August 31, 2026
Even though hopes are low, the Twins are still technically in the postseason race, trailing the Cleveland Guardians by four games for the final American League Wild Card spot. With Byron Buxton on the IL, the Twins are operating with a starting outfield of Walker Jenkins, Trevor Larnach and Luke Keaschall. If Minnesota were completely out of the playoff race, promoting Rodriguez would make sense, as September would be all about giving the young players experience. But for now, the Twins will want to keep the starting lineup intact for the most part.
Acton gives the Twins bullpen depth, while Ross, who mashes lefties, will likely mainly be a platoon player for Minnesota. Meanwhile, the Twins wouldn't want to call up Rodriguez if there wasn't room to play him every day.
If the Twins fall out of postseason contention soon, which is very likely, they may call up Rodriguez before the season ends. Josh Bell is set to be a free agent at the end of the season, and there's a strong chance the Twins trade Larnach in the offseason, so the Twins could give those two veterans less playing time to make room for Rodriguez if postseason hopes are out the window later in September.
Taking a look at Twins' September call-ups
The Twins acquired Acton, 28, from the Miami Marlins for right-hander Logan Whitaker in early April. Minnesota immediately optioned Acton to Triple-A St. Paul after the trade, then called him up two days later.
Minnesota placed Acton on the injured list with a right shoulder strain 23 days after recalling him in April. The right-hander posted a strong 2.70 ERA with nine strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings out of the Twins' bullpen before landing on the IL.
The Twins finally activated Acton from the IL in early August and optioned him to Triple-A St. Paul. Acton has recorded a 2.55 ERA with 23 strikeouts over 17 2/3 innings with the Saints this year.
Ross is definitely the more intriguing player of the two September call-ups. The utilityman ranks as the Twins' No. 13 overall prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.
The Twins selected Ross, 25, in the fifth round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Notre Dame. He has played third base, shortstop, center field, second base and left field in the minors this season.
Ross began the year at Double-A Wichita. The Twins promoted him to Triple-A in late April after he slashed a remarkable .424/.528/.797 with five home runs, 16 RBI and eight stolen bases over 16 games with the Wind Surge this year.
Since being promoted to the Saints, Ross has slashed .249/.353/.458 with 15 home runs, 55 RBI and 12 stolen bases across 102 games. He has absolutely destroyed left-handed pitching this season, hitting .293/.398/.543 against southpaws.
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