Scratched MN Twins Starter Lands on Injured List
When the Minnesota Twins envisioned success in 2026 it largely revolved around their starting pitching staff. Fast forward to what that rotation has become, just 57 games in, and you can’t help but wonder how they’ve managed to win even 27 of those outings.
Most of us thought the Twins were cooked when Pablo Lopez had Tommy John surgery at the start of spring training. Little did we know, that was only the start of their starting pitcher problems.
Mick Abel remains sidelined due to elbow inflammation, and recently suffered a setback. David Festa has been out all year, and Taj Bradley just returned from a trip to the injured list. With Connor Prielipp already having his innings watched, his struggles of late (12 runs over his last 8 1/3 innings) don’t make things easier.
Rojas injury puts Minnesota Twins in a bind
The latest victim is young lefty, Kendry Rojas, who was scratched from his scheduled start on Thursday due to posterior elbow soreness.
Unsurprisingly, the 23-year-old was placed on the injured list Friday morning, in a roster move announced alongside another pitcher, Travis Adams, being optioned to Triple A.
Replacing the two pitchers on Minnesota’s 26-man roster are relievers Kody Funderburk and Cody Laweryson, who are both coming up from St. Paul.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/eiYgaHTB9L
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) May 29, 2026
Neither Funderburk or Laweryson will factor into the starting rotation, like Rojas did. Kody with a “K” owns a 2.81 ERA this season, but has a 5.44 FIP and 10/13 K/BB. Cody with a “C” has a 4.26 ERA but a 2.43 FIP and an 8/2 K/BB.
The rotation could welcome back Simeon Woods Richardson, who was bumped to the bullpen by Rojas, but started in his place on Thursday. Spoiler: It did not go well (2.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K).
Simeon Woods Richardson's last 8 starts:
— Ted (@tlschwerz) May 28, 2026
4.0 IP 5 R
5.0 IP 7 R
5.0 IP 3 R
4.1 IP 4 R
4.2 IP 6 R
4.1 IP 5 R
3.0 IP 8 R
2.2 IP 5 R
If the Twins ever need a new batting practice pitcher, he should volunteer.
Kendry Rojas made his first career start on May 18 against the Houston Astros. He went 4.0 innings and allowed just two hits while striking out three and walking one. Although potentially a better long-term fit for the bullpen, he showed well in a hybrid starter role his first time up in the big leagues.
MN Twins pulling all of the pitching strings
This injury may move Woods Richardson out of a bullpen role he looked better suited for. In his first two appearances he worked three scoreless innings and allowed only two hits. Minnesota’s lack of pitching additions this offseason are quickly coming around to bite them though.
Andrew Morris was considered a depth starting pitching prospect, but he has been needed in the bullpen. Derek Shelton has already had him work some high-leverage spots. While he has had his struggles, he’s might be too important in his new bullpen role to simply make him a starter again.
Short of a John Klein recall, the Twins are running out of realistic starting pitching options on the farm. They need to get healthy, and they need it to happen quickly.
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