Another Minnesota Twins Injury to Help Cement Their Collapse

The Minnesota Twins postseason hopes are fading fast. At this point, suggesting they are on life support would be putting it kindly. They lost to the Miami Marlins on Tuesday night, and the injury bug got them once again. This time Matt Wallner found himself on the shelf.

Matt Wallner forced from game for Minnesota Twins

In the bottom of the sixth inning Matt Wallner pinch hit for Kyle Farmer. He was called out on strikes, but swung multiple times throughout the at bat. When the inning turned over it was Trevor Larnach in left field, not Wallner. He may be cement bones, but his muscles aren’t made of rubber.

Matt Wallner exited the game with left oblique tightness. He will reevaluated Wednesday.

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) September 25, 2024

Wallner grabbed at his left side on the way back to the dugout and an oblique injury immediately became a concern. Core muscle injuries can take a significant amount of time to heal depending on the severity. With just five games left in the regular season, Wallner’s season is over.

Austin Martin and Jorge Alcala have lockers here at Target Field. Details on moves to come shortly.

— Audra Martin (@Audra_Martin) September 25, 2024

Matt Wallner is headed to the IL with an oblique injury. He said he still feels the same pain today. Austin Martin is here at the ballpark.

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) September 25, 2024

This is the end of the road for Wallner in 2024, he’ll finish having played 75 games (one less than 2023). He put up a nearly exact match of the numbers he produced in 2023 as a rookie. That is a strong foundation for the Minnesota native to build off of going into 2025.

Even with the slow start and demotion, #MNTwins Matt Wallner was a model of consistency this year. pic.twitter.com/6eb86JDrbI

— Ted (@tlschwerz) September 25, 2024

Related: Max Kepler’s Minnesota Twins Career is Over

The Twins have determinations to make on the corner outfield for next year. With Max Kepler set to hit free agency, right field would seem to be Wallner’s for the taking.

How do the Twins replace Matt Wallner?

With Wallner headed to the injured list, the Minnesota Twins will recall a hitter from Triple-A St. Paul. There are just five games left, but they’ll need someone to provide an option. Rocco Baldelli will be looking for an outfielder, but he probably can’t be too picky on handedness or skillset at this point. That means Austin Martin is back.

DaShawn Keirsey Jr. writes himself into @StPaulSaints canon 🙏

With a game-tying single, the outfielder records his 133rd hit of the year, setting the single-season franchise record. pic.twitter.com/Fnsu017ZXC

— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) September 22, 2024

The Saints have a handful of players still in St. Paul for what they are calling “stay hot camp.” The most likely trio of options included Austin Martin, DaShawn Keirsey Jr., and Michael Helman. Martin has gotten the most run of that group this year, but Keirsey Jr. is the best outfielder. Helman is a utility player like Martin, and he went 3-for-8 with a pair of doubles during a seven game cameo.

Related: Carlos Correa Calls Out Minnesota Twins Teammates for Not Caring Enough

No one that is promoted should be expected to factor significantly into the lineup. Minnesota can mix and match other pieces and keep a younger rookie as an insurance option. It’s clear the Twins are walking wounded though, and the youth has struggled to keep up.

Related: Breakout Starter Named Minnesota Twins’ Minor League POY by Baseball America

It’s disappointing that this is how it appears the season will end. Things have been trending this way for weeks, however.