MN Twins Pitcher Pauses Rehab; Another Moves Forward
Pitching depth was supposed to be a staple for the Minnesota Twins this season, but as they ramp up for yet another bullpen game on Wednesday night, we have seen evidence that it has been anything but. Whether due to ineffectiveness or injury, a whole host of Derek Shelton’s arms aren’t currently with the team.
Last week it was revealed that Mick Abel, who last pitched on April 14, was getting close to a rehab assignment. That has progressed positively, and the Twins would love to get him and his 3.98 ERA (2.76 FIP) back in the rotation.
The bullpen was always expected to be a problem this year, and Cole Sands was among the few bright spots. He hasn’t been available due to injury, and won’t be back any time soon.
Mick Abel close to a MN Twins return
Although the MN Twins are in Detroit to play the Tigers, the St. Paul Saints aren’t far away as they the Toledo Mud Hens. In that game, the starting pitching matchup includes Abel making a rehab debut, and future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander working his way back as well.
Mick Abel is making a rehab start with the @StPaulSaints tonight.
— Ted (@tlschwerz) June 10, 2026
The opposing starter is some guy named Justin Verlander.
With how long Abel has been out, it should be assumed he’ll need multiple rehab starts prior to rejoining the Twins. There isn’t the same rotation logjam there was when he beat out Zebby Matthews this spring though. Now Derek Shelton needs him just to stay afloat.
Abel has made just eight appearances with the Minnesota Twins since being acquired last summer in the Jhoan Duran trade. Although Eduardo Tait was the headlining prospect, Abel has always been highly regarded and was Minnesota’s best starter to open the season.
MN Twins remain without Cole Sands
Unfortunately Abel won’t have reliever Cole Sands to come in after him out of the bullpen. Sands made just one rehab appearance, back on June 2nd, and worked a scoreless inning. He hasn’t been healthy enough to go back out, and now has been put back on the Twins injured list.
Cole Sands has been returned on his Triple-A rehab, meaning it has been stopped. He wasn’t recovering enough to continue pitching. Back to rest/recovery/treatment mode for now. #MNTwins
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) June 9, 2026
The past two seasons Sands has been among Minnesota’s most reliable relievers. Pitching at least 71 innings in each of them, he has been both good (3.89 ERA) and available. In 2026 Sands has a 4.63 ERA (4.47 FIP) and has been available for just 11 2/3.
Taylor Rashi, who Minnesota just acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier this week, reported to Triple-A and is on the roster. He could wind up being the next bullpen option soon, though he has allowed 12 runs on 19 hits in his first 20 big league innings over the past two seasons.
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