After Some Controversy, Matt Wallner Making Return to MN Twins

Despite the Minnesota Twins being among the hottest teams in baseball, they have done it without key offensive cogs. Friday night wound up being among their most fun wins of the season and Byron Buxton made an impact in his return to the lineup.

Rocco Baldelli is hoping that his lineup can continue to make noise and they’ll get some serious thump in the form of Matt Wallner on Saturday. The slugging outfielder has been on the shelf with a hamstring strain and he is now ready to roll.

His activation came with a bit of controversy after conflicting reports from Minnesota beat writers. The Athletic’s Dan Hayes suggested he would be back on Saturday. The Pioneer Press’ Betsy Helfand tweeted, and then deleted, that he would remain in Omaha with St. Paul to start the weekend.

Thankfully only one of those reports was correct and the Twins made the logical decision.

Minnesota Twins lineup gets a Matt Wallner sized boost

When the Twins lost Matt Wallner to a hamstring injury on April 15 he was among their best players this season. He is now ready to return after a month and a half on the injured list.

We have made the following roster move: pic.twitter.com/NzVjSIaFf9

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) May 31, 2025

In activating Wallner, the Minnesota Twins optioned DaShawn Keirsey Jr. to Triple-A. The speedy outfielder was the obvious choice given his available options and a current .103/.136/.156 slash line.

Minnesota can plug Matt Wallner back into a damage spot in the lineup. He is hitting .263/.373/.474 across 18 games this season. His on-base prowess earned him an extended look as the leadoff hitter. Wallner is known for his power, but had just hit his first home run not long before suffering the injury.

You better believe he did it AGAIN. Make it a home run in three straight games for @Matt_Wallner, 2nd time in his Saints career he has done that. Now 7 shy of the all-time franchise mark. This three-run homer puts us up 3-1. Seriously, he wants that record. pic.twitter.com/hmDRmLHQn5

— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) May 30, 2025

If Wallner is healthy, and his rehab slash line suggests he is (.320/.370/.960 5 HR), then he’ll resume every day run in right field. With both Byron Buxton and Harrison Bader healthy, they’ll get routine reps in center and left field respectively. Trevor Larnach can go back to a more traditional designated hitter role.

In Wallner’s absence the Twins have relied upon players like Keirsey Jr., Willi Castro, and Kody Clemens to provide extended time in the outfield corners. Wallner’s arm is a clear asset in right field, and he helps the configuration of the lineup as a whole.

Related: Three Weaknesses the Minnesota Twins Should Address Before MLB Trade Deadline

Since Wallner last appeared for Minnesota his teammates have ripped off a 25-13 record. That included a 13-game winning streak, and multiple series sweeps. The team has still been carried by pitching, but a 12-run explosion on Friday night and a positive health trend should continue to bolster the lineup.

Minnesota is in Seattle for two more contests before finishing their 10-game road trip with three games against the Athletics in Sacramento at another minor league park.