Minnesota Twins Bullpen Suffers Yet Another Blow
The Minnesota Twins bullpen ranks 24th in baseball, in terms of fWAR (-0.1), 25th in FIP (4.64) and dead last in ERA (5.54), entering their three-game series this week against the Houston Astros.
And just when you think this ragtag group of relievers couldn’t possibly get worse, more injuries hit. The most recent loss hurts a little extra too, because (LHP) Anthony Banda was one of the few competent relievers remaining on roster.
So when he injured himself on this pitch late in the MN Twins’ win over Colorado on Sunday, it was bad news for everyone involved, including the Rockies batter he beaned, Braxton Fulford.
🚨 More trouble for the #MNTwins.
— Talkin' Twins (@TalkinTwins) June 28, 2026
Anthony Banda is forced out of the game due to injury after plunking the first batter of the 9th inning, immediately signaling for trainers before exiting.
A sudden and costly injury to a bullpen that simply cannot afford to lose another arm at… pic.twitter.com/9U7NEAWL9n
With options dwindling on the open market during the offseason, Minnesota leapt at the chance to acquire Anthony Banda from the Los Angeles Dodgers, when they designated him for assignment leading up to Opening Day.
Minnesota Twins place Anthony Banda on injured list
Immediately upon his arrival in Minneapolis, Banda was handed a high-leverage role in the Twins’ bullpen and he’s been relatively good in that spot. Now though, he’s dealing with a lat strain that lands him on the shelf.
On the season, the 32-year-old lefty holds a 4.46 ERA in 32.1 innings pitched. However, after allowing 11 runs in his first 13 innings this season, Banda has a 2.53 ERA in his last 21 1/3 innings (24 games), with 20 strikeouts and less than one hit allowed per inning. Cody Lawyerson is being recalled to take his place.
We have made the following roster move: pic.twitter.com/vadKkvR2at
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) June 29, 2026
Related: Veteran MN Twins Starter on Rehab Assignment
Obviously any time Banda misses will hurt the Twins. Lat strains can vary depending on the severity, but this looks like it will be more of a long term recovery. According to Matthew Leach (MLB.com), he’s likely to miss months, not weeks, which means his season is very much in jeopardy of being over.
Next man up?
Unfortunately there aren’t a ton of strong bullpen options available to the Twins in St. Paul… or anywhere else for that matter. The last real talented farmhand was former top prospect Marco Raya.
Laweryson did make the Opening Day roster but has dealt with injury and ineffectiveness himself. Through 16 innings this year, he’s got a 5.06 ERA.
There is plenty of opportunity for someone to step up. Unfortunately the Twins have been waiting for that to happen virtually all year… and they have far less talent to choose from now, than they did then.
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