Another Talented Twins Pitcher Ready to Return from Injury
The Minnesota Twins will try for a sweep on Thursday in Arlington over the Texas Rangers.
But first, on Wednesday, they will celebrate a rare mid-series off-day by reading all of the fresh trade rumors released this morning involving their best players, including Byron Buxton.
Meanwhile, injured MN Twins pitchers continue to get healthier. The latest is 23-year-old 2025 deadline acquisition, (LHP) Kendry Rojas, who came to Minnesota in the trade for Louie Varland.
Kendry Rojas nearing return to Minnesota Twins
According to multiple reports, Rojas — who was scratched from his last scheduled start on May 28, then placed on the injured list one day later with left elbow and tricep inflammation — joined the St. Paul Saints today for a rehab assignment.
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
The Saints game was postponed due to weather, so they will play a doubleheader on Thursday.
Prior to injury, the flamethrowing lefty made five appearances for the Twins — mostly out of the bullpen. In those 14.1 innings pitched, Rojas struck out 14 opposing batters and posted an impressive 1.26 ERA.
However, the young Cuban was living quite dangerously, allowing 11 hits and 10 walks so far on the season, which has ballooned his on-base percentage against up to .367 and his WHIP to 1.465.
Kendry Rojas has such a nasty changeup. He fooled Mickey Gasper for his 3rd K. Another impressive game for the rookie.
— Talkin' Twins (@TalkinTwins) May 23, 2026
3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K 🔥#MNTwins | #MLB pic.twitter.com/3KwZrS7G3w
Other Twins pitchers nearing return too
Even more exciting than the good news on Kendry Rojas, though, were the latest injury updates on his future rotation buddy, Mick Abel, who made his second (and what’s believed to be his final) rehab start for Triple A St. Paul on Tuesday.
In fact, Abel went 5 full innings yesterday in a 21-2 Saints victory over the Omaha Storm Chasers. The 24-year-old former first round draft pick allowed both Omaha runs but gave up just 4 hits — striking out 5 Storm Chasers and walking none.
Related: Kaelen Culpepper Call-Up on Hold Following Injury Update
As long as he is still on the same track to return as he was before his start, Abel is expected back in the Twins rotation by Sunday or Monday.
It was also reported earlier this week, at The Athletic, that Bailey Ober traveled with the team on their road trip this week, which will head to Phoenix for a three game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks this weekend.
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