Twins Get Starter Back, Lose Reliever to IL
There was a level of foreshadowing to the Minnesota Twins pitcher injuries this season when they lost Pablo Lopez before spring training even got started. Things have pretty much spiraled since.
But on Wednesday, in the MN Twins’ latest round of injury updates surrounding the pitching staff, we got a little bit of good news to go along with more bad news.
MN Twins place Marco Raya on IL
This time, it’s rookie reliever Marco Raya who — after just 3 appearances and 6 innings pitched (3.00 ERA, 1.333 WHIP, 4 K, 3 BB) — is going on the IL due to a shoulder impingement in his throwing (right) shoulder.
We have made the following roster move: pic.twitter.com/uhfFIhi10G
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 8, 2026
The MN Twins didn’t announce a corresponding move for Raya on Wednesday, instead deciding to play with 25 men on the roster.
Bailey Ober to start for Minnesota Twins
On Thursday, the expectation is that Bailey Ober will replace Raya on the 26-man roster and start at Target Field, in the series finale against Cleveland.
The Twins’ soon-to-be 31-year-old (July 12) starter has spent the past month dealing with his own right arm (elbow inflammation) injury.
Bailey Ober will start on Thursday (tomorrow). Ryan slated for Saturday, so he can pitch in the All-Star Game. Taj Bradley will go Sunday.
— LaVelle E. Neal III (@LaVelleNeal) July 8, 2026
If that’s how the roster moves go, it would make sense for Minnesota to move Michael Paredes — who’s been operating as a short-inning starter, in Ober’s absence — to the bullpen.
The Minnesota Twins placed Bailey Ober on the injured list with right elbow inflammation on May 31, 2026. He has made rehab starts with both Cedar Rapids and St. Paul.
They didn’t go all that well. Ober allowed 13 total hits in just 8 1/3 innings, though he did stay in the zone, striking out six minor leaguers and walking none.
Twins’ pitching staff will take all the healthy arms
Through 66.2 innings pitched prior to injury Bailey Ober posted a 4.59 ERA (4.98 FIP). His 88.5 mph average fastball velocity is a career-low by nearly two mph.
However, the Minnesota Twins rotation needs bodies. At this point, the fact that he has years of MLB experience is just a bonus.
Bailey Ober's four-seam grades out at a 68 proStuff+, the worst mark among starters this season. At 88.5 mph with a 14 percent whiff rate and a .409 wOBA allowed, hitters are teeing off. Sean Sullivan sits at 68 as well. pic.twitter.com/eViUvzLTnv
— Pitch Profiler (@pitchprofiler) July 2, 2026
The Twins have also set up the rotation to allow Joe Ryan an opportunity to pitch on Tuesday in the All-Star Game. It’s his second straight season making the team, and he’ll be the lone healthy Twins representative with Byron Buxton on the injured list. Ryan will see Mike Trout over the weekend, who just returned from the injured list himself.
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