Another Year, Another Devastating Injury for Twins Pitching Prospect

When the Minnesota Twins selected Matt Canterino in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft, they envisioned him as a dynamic, difference-making arm capable of bolstering their pitching staff. However, that optimism might have overlooked a glaring red flag: Canterino hailed from Rice University, an institution with a somewhat known reputation for churning out pitchers prone to injury, which has been attributed to overuse during their college careers.

That pattern of wear-and-tear concerns isn’t new for the Twins. Former Rice standout Tyler Duffey, another Twins pitcher, had those same risks tied to the program’s approach. Similarly, Canterino’s tenure with Minnesota has been plagued by health setbacks, leaving him sidelined despite occupying a valuable spot on the 40-man roster.

This spring it looked as though Canterino was at a point where he could make an impact, but one Spring Training appearance already has him shelved once again.

Matt Canterino looks cooked for the Minnesota Twins

Matt Canterino has been trying to work back to a level of relative health for the Minnesota Twins for awhile. He hasn’t thrown a single inning since 2022, and has just 50 innings to his credit since 2019. That is almost insane. To say he has been hurt and unavailable would be putting it lightly.

The stuff looks great when he’s healthy, but the reality is that he never is. After pitching a single inning against the Yankees this spring, and walking three batters, he is hurt once again.

“Canterino, 27, was diagnosed with a right shoulder strain after a magnetic resonance imaging exam and there is no timetable for him to resume throwing while he awaits a second opinion on his shoulder. He said he felt the injury when he warmed up to enter a spring training game last Saturday.”

Bobby Nightengale – Star Tribune

It would be one thing to suggest that Canterino was nervous as he walked three batters, and struck out just one during his 2025 Grapefruit League debut. It’s not uncommon for that to happen to someone who’s just happy to be back on the mound. But, it’s another to continue the charade of keeping him on the 40-man roster while we don’t currently know what he brings to the table.

Matt Canterino throws live batting practice. #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/069llS9g5T

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) February 20, 2025

Last season, the Minnesota Twins shuffled Jorge Alcala between the majors and minors, despite his 3.92 ERA and 87 MLB innings since 2019, which show he can contribute. By contrast, Matt Canterino’s ability is still a projection. While Alcala fights for a steady role, Canterino’s 40-man roster spot ties up space that could go to younger players who are ready to perform now.

Related: Minnesota Twins Ramp Up Efforts to Improve Royce Lewis’ Defense

It’s unfortunate that Minnesota has to pull the plug on a former to draft pick. Realistically though, Canterino offers nothing to believe in currently. If someone else wants to claim him, so be it.

MN Twins have multiple bullpen options

The Minnesota Twins’ starting rotation is mostly locked in, with a solid group of five anchoring the staff. Beyond that core, a handful of depth pitchers stand ready, each eager to compete for innings and a chance to crack the lineup. Among the veterans, Chris Paddack looks like the most vulnerable, his spot ripe for the taking if a younger arm steps up.

If the MN Twins are going to have one of the best bullpens in baseball, then they can’t afford to have holes in the group. Canterino was never going to be a consideration from the jump, but multiple arms can help to mitigate his absence.

Related: Chris Paddack in Danger of Losing Starting Job for Twins?

Louie Varland—call him Louis—could be an arm to bolster the Twins’ bullpen. A healthy Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax are set to dominate the late innings, locking down the back end. The more Rocco Baldelli can trust arms like Cole Sands, the less Brock Stewart’s absence—still lingering from last year’s shoulder injury, with no clear return date—will hurt.

Multiple starting pitchers could also make their first appearance in the bullpen. If the Twins need to go that route, they’d be fine leaning on a performer rather than a prospect who is always hurt.