Emmanuel Rodriguez News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/emmanuel-rodriguez/ Minnesota sports, but different Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:43:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=32,height=32,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cropped-cropped-MSF-favicon-1.jpg Emmanuel Rodriguez News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/emmanuel-rodriguez/ 32 32 New BA Top 100 Prospects Littered with MLB-Ready MN Twins https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/baseball-america-top-100-2026-jenkins-rodriguez-culpepper-prielipp/ Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:43:54 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=79961 With just weeks left until Grapefruit League action kicks off down in Fort Myers, it’s officially prospect season. We unveiled ours here at Minnesota Sports Fan recently, and now the big boys will kick things off.

The first of the three premier top 100 prospect lists comes from Baseball America. The Minnesota Twins have one of the best farm systems in baseball, so it shouldn’t be a surprise they are well-represented.

It is nice to see that there are some key names left out as that only further exemplifies the depth of the organization as a whole. It’s also impressive just how meteoric the Walker Jenkins rise continues to be.

Walker Jenkins paces MN Twins in Baseball America top 100

There should be no surprise that Baseball America views Walker Jenkins as one of the best prospects in baseball. The Minnesota Twins start is deemed to have just four players currently ahead of him. Those names include Konnor Griffin (SS – Pittsburgh), Kevin McGonigle (SS – Detroit), JJ Wetherholt (SS – St. Louis), and Jesus Made (SS – Milwaukee).

RankingPlayerPositionAgeLevel
5thWalker JenkinsOutfield20Triple-A
57thEmmanuel RodriguezOutfield22Triple-A
74thKaelen CulpepperShortstop23Double-A
94thConnor PrielippLH Pitcher25Triple-A
Courtesy: Baseball America

Of course Jenkins was always going to top the group for the Minnesota Twins. At 20 years old, he’s knocking on the door to a big league debut. In 84 games across multiple levels last season, he batted .286/.399/.451 with 10 homers and 17 stolen bases.

Jenkins is going to be considered for the Opening Day roster, but more likely will see action in early summer. He’ll start at Triple-A, but should be given every opportunity to contend for Rookie of the Year honors.

Emmanuel Rodriguez has more time at Triple-A than Jenkins, but has also been hit by the injury bug plenty. If he can still healthy, there’s immense power potential. The 31.6% strikeout rate at Triple-A is problematic, but it could be reflectively of how patient he is too. This is a 65 grade power player, and the bat will be loud in a corner outfield spot.

Seeing Culpepper rise up this list is encouraging as well. A late-season slide cost him a promotion to Triple-A, but he’ll get plenty of time in St. Paul this season. In 113 games he batted .289/.375/.469 with a surprising 20 home runs last year. It’s possible that he winds up being leaned on quickly if Brooks Lee struggles out of the gate.

Connor Prielipp being amongst this list is reflective of how much belief there is in his 100th percentile outcome. If he can stay healthy, he has the stuff to be an ace. Minnesota may opt to use him in relief as an introduction to the big leagues. His 98 strikeouts in 82 2/3 innings is reflective of dominant potential as well.

Minnesota Twins prospects that missed

It’s not just about the four prospects that made Baseball America’s top 100. It might be equally as impressive how many quality prospects they have that didn’t make the list.

When the MN Twins traded Louie Varland, they did so because Kendry Rojas was a fringe top 100 prospect. The former Blue Jays prospect struggled mightily in St. Paul, but there’s opportunity for the southpaw to rebound. Eduardo Tait was the key piece in dealing Jhoan Duran, and he was a top 100 prospect going into last season.

Gabriel Gonzalez was a top 100 prospect when Minnesota acquired him in the Jorge Polanco trade. After a down first year with the organization, he rebounded with a .909 OPS last season.

Beyond that group the Minnesota Twins also have 2025 first round pick Marek Houston, and intriguing pitchers Dasan Hill (who has already made a top 100 prospect list) and Riley Quick. The big league team hasn’t added much, but the system could produce in a big way.

]]> Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:43:57 +0000 Minnesota Twins Minnesota Twins Top Prospect Rankings (2026 Edition) https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/top-15-prospects-rankings-2026/ Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:15:00 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=78998 It’s only a month until pitchers and catchers are reporting to Fort Myers, FL in mid-February for Minnesota Twins Spring Training, which will look a bit different in 2026, as multiple Minnesota Twins players leave early for the World Baseball Classic.

Thus, it’ll be incumbent on new manager Derek Shelton to maximize the weeks he does have during Grapefruit League play, in order to get his team ready for what the team is selling as a new era of Twins baseball.

Shelton is coming into a clubhouse that’s already undergone significant changes over the past 12 months (and still has plenty of questions that remain unanswered).

Beyond their (still) incomplete roster, Minnesota will also have to adjust to Major League Baseball’s latest groundbreaking rule change, as the ABS (Automated Balls and Strikes) challenge system gets set for its big league debut in 2026.

Minnesota Twins Top Prospects – 2026

Minnesota Twins prospect, Marek Houston
Credit: Andrew West / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

But the above preamble is not what you came here for. This article is about the prospects coming up through the organization, most of whom have been using the ABS challenge system since it was first implemented in the minors (2019), long before most of these kids ever turned pro.

According to FanGraphs, the Minnesota Twins ended 2025 with the 12th best farm system in baseball. Not only that, but there is a real opportunity for some of their top prospects to come up and fill gaps this season.

Compared to where they stood this time last year, the Twins are much better positioned as an organization, to lean on call-up talent early at the big league level this season.

Now… with that out of the way, let’s talk about some of the youngsters coming up through the system, as we inch closer to Spring. Here are my top 15 Minnesota Twins prospects for 2026.

15. Andrew Morris | RHP | 24 y/o

A former fourth-round pick out of Texas Tech, Morris is expected to make his major league debut this season. While his ceiling likely tops out as a back-end starter, his floor appears to be similar. He looked like the next man up last year and could get an early opportunity if rotation openings arise.

In his first full season at Triple-A, Morris posted a 4.09 ERA across 94 2/3 innings. He dealt with a few minor injuries, but his 89/28 K/BB ratio was respectable. He’s not a dominant power arm, though he’s far from a soft tosser.

14. Charlee Soto | RHP | 20 y/o

There’s a case to be made that Soto should be ranked higher—and another argument that he shouldn’t be in the top 15 at all. The young fireballer can touch triple digits and posted a 1.38 ERA with a 15/4 K/BB ratio at High-A Cedar Rapids across three starts. Unfortunately, he required surgery to repair a detached bone spur and logged just 13 innings.

Minnesota hopes Soto will be ready for Spring Training. Assuming a normal ramp-up, he’ll return to High-A Cedar Rapids to begin the season. The ceiling for the former first-round pick is immense, though few prospects are more volatile than prep pitchers.

13. Quentin Young | SS | 18 y/o

The Twins selected Young in the second round of last summer’s MLB Draft. The nephew of Dmitri Young and former Twins outfielder Delmon Young, Quentin oozes projectable traits. He’s a gifted athlete and will be an exciting player to watch during his first full professional season.

Young skipped the Complex League and appeared in five games for Fort Myers last season, going 2-for-17 with a 9/2 K/BB ratio. The sample size tells us very little. He’ll begin this season in the Florida State League.

12. Brandon Winokur | SS | 21 y/o

Winokur, a third-round pick in 2023, entered pro ball with true five-tool potential. He was raw and needed refinement across the board, and while it hasn’t fully clicked yet, there have been steady glimpses.

He played 122 games at High-A last season, slashing .226/.304/.388. His 17 home runs marked an increase from 14 in 2024, and he stole 26 bases in 30 attempts. Likely not a long-term shortstop, the Twins experimented with him at third base and in center field. Winokur hit just .192 in 21 Arizona Fall League games, but the experience was invaluable.

Minnesota could give him the full year at Double-A. If things click, he has the upside to move firmly into the top 10.

11. Kyle DeBarge | 2B | 22 y/o

The Twins selected DeBarge with the 33rd overall pick in the 2024 draft. He debuted quickly and spent his first full professional season at High-A Cedar Rapids.

A shortstop in college, DeBarge moved around the diamond last season, seeing most of his time at second base while also logging innings at shortstop and in the outfield. After adjusting his approach to generate more power late in college, that change began to surface.

Across 121 games with the Kernels, DeBarge hit .237/.347/.362 with eight home runs. He was electric on the basepaths, stealing 66 bases while being caught just eight times, and he earned a minor league Gold Glove. He should open 2026 at Double-A Wichita.

10. Riley Quick | RHP | 21 y/o

Quick is one of two former Alabama pitchers in the Twins’ top 10, joining Connor Prielipp as Crimson Tide representatives. Selected 36th overall last summer, Quick offers legitimate top-of-the-rotation upside.

Minnesota held him out of professional action last season after he posted a 3.92 ERA in 14 starts (62 innings) for Alabama, along with a 70/24 K/BB ratio. His 6’6″, 255-pound frame generates plenty of velocity. Starting him at Low-A Fort Myers makes sense, though a move to Cedar Rapids wouldn’t be surprising.

9. Dasan Hill | LHP | 20 y/o

The Twins’ system is loaded with left-handed pitching, and Hill is the third southpaw in the top 10, and the youngest. He spent most of the season at Fort Myers before finishing with Cedar Rapids.

In 16 starts for the Mighty Mussels, Hill posted a 2.77 ERA with an 11.8 K/9. He struggled during his brief High-A stint, allowing six runs in 10 innings. Control remains a work in progress, as evidenced by 40 walks in 62 total innings, but the arrow is pointing up as he heads to Cedar Rapids.

8. Connor Prielipp | LHP | 25 y/o

The Twins have long envisioned what Prielipp could become, but injuries have delayed his ascent. Last season, he logged 82 2/3 innings between Double-A and Triple-A, roughly four times more than any season since high school.

He finished the year with 21 innings at Triple-A St. Paul and struck out 98 batters overall. Prielipp is a popular candidate to contribute out of the big-league bullpen this season. If he can stay healthy as a starter, he has No. 1 or No. 2 upside; if moved to relief, a high-leverage role seems likely.

7. Gabriel Gonzalez | OF | 22 y/o

When the Twins sent Jorge Polanco to Seattle, Gonzalez was the prospect with the most long-term value. After a rocky organizational debut, he rebounded in a big way last season.

Gonzalez posted a .909 OPS across 123 games at three levels. In 34 Triple-A games, he slashed .316/.358/.504 and hit six of his 15 total home runs. While he won’t break camp with the Twins, he should be among the first call-ups.

It wouldn’t be surprising if Gonzalez outproduces Kody Clemens, or even Trevor Larnach, at the big-league level this year.

6. Marek Houston | SS | 21 y/o

Selected 16th overall in last summer’s draft, Houston is another highly talented shortstop in the system. How his hit tool translates will be the key storyline in his first full pro season. He added power at Wake Forest, hitting 15 home runs while batting .354.

Houston played 12 games at Low-A Fort Myers and 12 at High-A Cedar Rapids, collecting 27 hits in his first 100 at-bats. Only six went for extra bases, but the glove is legit and should keep him at shortstop. He’ll open the season in Cedar Rapids.

5. Kendry Rojas | LHP | 23 y/o

Acquired in the controversial Louie Varland trade with Toronto, Rojas was the pitching prospect that convinced Minnesota to move the hometown product. Already at Triple-A when acquired, he should be knocking on the door.

His initial numbers with St. Paul were rough: a 6.59 ERA with 25 runs (20 earned) allowed in 27 1/3 innings. Control was the main issue, as he walked 23 batters. If that gets corrected, Rojas has a strong chance to bounce back.

Another lefty with upside, settling in with the Twins organization should help. He’ll be counted on at some point this season.

4. Eduardo Tait | C | 19 y/o

Tait arrived alongside Mick Abel from Philadelphia in the Jhoan Duran trade and was the centerpiece of the deal. A consensus top-100 prospect, he remains raw but immensely talented.

In 30 games at Cedar Rapids, Tait hit .250/.286/.408 with 10 doubles and three home runs. Overall, he posted an .842 OPS across his first 80 stateside games last year. Offensive upside from the catcher position makes him particularly intriguing.

3. Kaelen Culpepper | SS | 23 y/o

Minnesota’s 21st overall pick in 2024, Culpepper broke out in his first pro season. A late slump prevented a Triple-A finish, but he was close.

Across 113 games, he hit .289/.375/.469 with 16 doubles, three triples, and 20 home runs. The power surge was unexpected but welcome. Culpepper should begin the season at Triple-A St. Paul and could earn a second-half promotion.

Orlando Arcia was signed as a backup shortstop, but Culpepper could be working alongside Brooks Lee sooner rather than later.

2. Emmanuel Rodriguez | OF | 22 y/o

Culpepper has a strong case here, but I remain bullish on Rodriguez. He finished 2024 at Triple-A and began 2025 there, though injuries again slowed him.

In 52 games for St. Paul, Rodriguez hit .258/.429/.423 with seven doubles and six home runs. His patience stands out—he owns a career .424 OBP—but a 31.8% strikeout rate could be problematic at the next level.

Rodriguez will get a chance to earn an Opening Day roster spot. He had a strong showing in the Dominican Winter League that can maybe vault him forward. With Larnach and Matt Wallner still in the mix, it’s unlikely, but he will see big-league time this season.

1. Walker Jenkins | OF | 20 y/o

There’s no surprise at the top. Jenkins is the Twins’ premier prospect and among the best in baseball. He reached Triple-A last season after just 52 games at Double-A Wichita.

The left-handed hitter has a silky smooth swing and excels in all facets of the game. Across 84 minor league games last season, he hit .286/.399/.451 with 17 doubles, two triples, and 10 home runs. He also stole 17 bases and played excellent center field.

Like Rodriguez, Jenkins will be given a legitimate path to an Opening Day roster spot. Even if he starts in Triple-A, his arrival could be special. He’s a strong Rookie of the Year candidate, and a future superstar.

]]> Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:14:16 +0000 Minnesota Twins MN Twins Prospect Absolutely Crushed Winter League https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/emmanuel-rodriguez-standout-dominican-winter-league/ Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:59:13 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=72399 The Major League Baseball offseason has begun, following one of the more thrilling World Series’ in recent history. Now, while many veteran players are resting and prepping for 2026, others are getting more baseball in elsewhere.

That includes multiple Minnesota Twins youngsters, like 22-year-old Emmanuel Rodriguez, who spent the majority of 2025 at Triple-A St. Paul. While injuries have held Rodriguez back throughout his time in affiliate ball, the consensus top-100 prospect had no such issues during his time in the Dominican Winter League.

Emmanuel Rodriguez stock continues to soar

The Dominican circuit is largely viewed as the top winter ball options for Major League caliber baseball players. And it’s the perfect offseason testing grounds for Rodriguez, a Santiago native.

Rodriguez played in the well-respected winter league for the first time this fall for Aguilas Cibaenas. To say that he made a good impression would be putting it lightly.

The Minnesota Twins’ top prospect slashed .292/.417/.646 (1.063 OPS) for the Cibaenas, during his 18 games played. A-Rod also earned All-Star MVP honors, as noted by the Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale on Wednesday.

In 65 games last year in the Twins minor league system, Rodriguez batted .269/.431/.409. He has immense power and an extremely patient approach. There is a bit of a concerning whiff rate but when the kid uncorks on a ball, it flies.

Rodriguez saw plenty of current and former big league talent during Dominican Winter League action. It’s great experience for a guy who has an outside chance of making Derek Shelton’s Opening Day roster in 2026, as a corner outfielder.

Former Twins slugger Miguel Sano shines too

It wasn’t just Rodriguez that tore up the Dominican Winter League this offseason. Former Minnesota Twins infielder Miguel Sano didn’t play in the big leagues last season, but he certainly tore up the winter circuit again.

In 15 games for Estrellas, Sano batted .353/.433/.804. He had seven home runs and 19 RBI with a respectable 11/7 K/BB. Sano is still just 32 years old and is is laughable to think he couldn’t still contribute at the big league level.

It remains to be seen if a major league team will give Sano a deal this offseason. He too would need to decide that playing stateside is worth his time. If that’s the case though, it could be a cool bounceback story.

]]> Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:55:42 +0000 Minnesota Twins Top MN Twins Prospect Gets All Clear https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/emmanuel-rodriguez-completes-rehab-assignment-activated-triple-a/ Mon, 08 Sep 2025 19:38:01 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=68132 The Minnesota Twins have little to play for the rest of the season. That doesn’t mean individual performances can’t be something to focus on. Byron Buxton is having the best season of his career and the arrow continues to point up.

On the farm there are plenty of players looking to wrap up their seasons on a positive note. Walker Jenkins will make his CHS Field debut for Triple-A St. Paul Tuesday. He’ll be joined by fellow top prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez, who is returning from the injured list.

Emmanuel Rodriguez back for St. Paul

If there has been a constant for Emmanuel Rodriguez during his minor league career it has been being injured. He has missed time with thumb, hip, and muscle issues this season. Now he returns to Triple-A St. Paul for the first time since July 12.

Rodriguez played five games for the Low-A Fort Myers Mighty Mussels on a rehab assignment last week. Their season ended on Sunday. He went 4-for-18 with an 8/4 K/BB.

Across 43 games for the Saints this season, Jenkins owns a .254/.411/.428 slash line. He has seven doubles, a triple, and five home runs. A sneaky-fast runner, base stealing is also part of his game. The approach at the dish can be too patient at times, and that leaves him in tough counts without an ability to do damage.

Despite all of the starts and stops, Rodriguez will be a candidate for Minnesota’s Opening Day roster in 2026. He is just 22 years old and already on the 40-man roster. He’s left-handed, which is redundant amongst the Twins outfield, but he can play all three spots.

Related: Byron Buxton Hot Streak Has Him Frustrated

The Saints have just 12 games left this season, with the first half coming at home. Rodriguez must stay healthy and productive through that stretch. Then it’s into the offseason and a hope to build for next year.

Rodriguez was ranked as the Twins third-best prospect by MLB Pipeline earlier this summer. He is a big reason as to why the system is considered the second-best in baseball.

Walker Jenkins debut incoming too

Although the Saints are going to miss the playoffs and have had a tough season, this week is an exciting one in Lowertown. Walker Jenkins is making his Triple-A home debut, and will be just miles from the stadium he intends to play at next season.

CHS Field is a gorgeous ballpark, and the weather this week looks fantastic as well. The Saints lineup may never have been better than it will be for the final homestand this season.

Jenkins is set to talk with the media following batting practice on Tuesday as well. That introduction comes after he just launched his first Triple-A home run on Sunday night.

]]> Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:40:07 +0000 Minnesota Twins Update Reveals New MN Twins Top 100 Prospect; Others Tumble Down List… https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/mlb-pipeline-top-100-prospects-update-post-trade-deadline-2025/ Tue, 12 Aug 2025 13:07:27 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=66455 There are a few different places where you can check in on the best minor leaguers in the Minnesota Twins system. If you’re looking for MLB prospect rankings, most fans and media members reference Baseball America and MLB Pipeline, the latter of which is owned and operated by the league.

Some prospect rankings update more often than others. The MLB Pipeline list receives a major update following the MLB Draft and MLB trade deadline. And after the MN Twins’ historic 2025 midseason sell-off, there were a lot of reasons to keep an eye out for this year’s deadline update.

Minnesota Twins prospect rankings update – post MLB trade deadline

On Monday, when the MLB Pipeline’s post deadline prospect update went through, the Twins debuted a whopping 11 new faces in their top 30 organizational rankings.

In total, Minnesota landed five youngsters on the updated top 100 prospect rankings. Only one of those five were acquired before the deadline a couple weeks ago — 18 y/o catcher Eduardo Tait (No. 54), who was sent to the Twins by Philadelphia in the Jhoan Duran deal.

The other four — Walker Jenkins (No. 14), Luke Keaschall (No. 64), Emmanuel Rodriguez (No. 72) and Kaelen Culpepper (No. 77) — were already in the organization entering the season.

Emmanuel Rodriguez tumbles down MLB top 100 rankings

For the better part of the last two years, the Minnesota Twins top two prospects have been 20-year-old OF Walker Jenkins and 22-year-old OF Emmanuel Rodriguez, in that order. That is no longer the case, however.

After reaching as high as 37th at MLB Pipeline coming into the season, and top 20 at both Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus, Rodriguez dropped all the way to 72 in the latest Pipeline update. The problem for E-Rod hasn’t been his skillset… but instead, his availability.

Rodriguez was on the injured list with a right hip issue from June 2 through July 8th. He returned for just 10 days before landing back on the IL with a right oblique strain (July 18th). In total, Emmanuel Rodriguez has played just 43 games for St. Paul this season. And those are only the beginning of his minor league injury woes.

Related: Insider Compares MN Twins Rookie to MVP Candidate

Rodriguez has been largely the same prospect, when available. His .254/.411/.428 slash line could be better, but he has been more aggressive and willing to attack earlier in counts, something the Minnesota Twins have been asking him to do. It’s his inability to remain on the field that is hurting his prospect stock, though.

MN Twins’ top prospects are getting close…

Walker Jenkins — who has had his own health issues since being drafted No. 5 overall in 2023 — has been great at Double-A (.315/.421/.500 at Double-A), which makes his drop from 3rd overall prior to the season a bit odd.

He and Wichita teammate, Kaelen Culpepper, should both be ticketed for St. Paul by year’s end, if healthy and playing at a high level. Culpepper has been tearing up Double-A too, slashing .338/.402/.541. He earned his first top 100 ranking at MLB Pipeline pre-All-Star Game.

Eduardo Tait was the top piece acquired by the Twins during the trade deadline, and one of the highest rated prospects across the league to be dealt before July 31. Only Leo De Vries (No. 3), who was traded to the Athletics, is ranked higher.

Rounding out the group is Luke Keaschall, who will likely exhaust rookie status by the end of the season. He returned from the injured list after suffering a broken forearm. He immediately homered, then walked off the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Deadline acquisitions litter Twins top 30 prospects list

With the draft and trade deadline in the rearview mirror, the Minnesota Twins farm system has seen an influx of new faces. As mentioned earlier, 11 of the players acquired over the past month are now considered top 30 organizational prospects, per MLB Pipeline.

Related: Former GM Admits MN Twins Can’t Keep Top Tier Talent

Top pick Marek Houston, who is considered an already above-average major league defender at shortstop, makes his debut as the 8th prospect. The Duran return from the Phillies shows up as the top acquisitions, which also makes sense.

Minnesota crushed Louie Varland by sending him to the Blue Jays. Derek Falvey insists Kendry Rojas was worth it, and MLB Pipeline has the new lefty starting prospect at 7th. Riley Quick, the Alabama product, slots in just behind fellow former Crimson Tide pitcher Connor Prielipp.

Ryan Gallagher (Cubs trade for Willi Castro) and Enrique Jimenez (Tigers trade for Chris Paddack) were the only other deadline additions to make the cut. Adding a bunch of draft prospects to the system is always a positive reflection of scouting as well.

]]> Tue, 12 Aug 2025 08:07:31 +0000 Minnesota Twins Another Top MN Twins Prospect Hits the IL https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/emmanuel-rodriguez-triple-a-injured-list-right-hip/ Mon, 02 Jun 2025 21:31:29 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=63609 The Minnesota Twins have been getting healthier, of late, even if the wins haven’t necessarily followed. Royce Lewis has been back for a while now. Both Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa have returned from their stay on the concussion list, after colliding with one another in shallow center field last month.

Most recently, Matt Wallner finally re-joined the club over the weekend. He hit a homer in his first at-bat back, after a month and a half on the shelf. But even he couldn’t save the 31-27 Twins from dropping two of three in Seattle, after doing the same earlier in the week, across the country in Tampa.

Unfortunately, news on the injury front is not as positive down on the farm, where top prospect after top prospect continue to be stashed on the injured list. Walker Jenkins — a top 10 MLB prospect by most accounts — has played just two games this season, thanks to an ankle injury that stems back to Spring Training.

Emmanuel Rodriguez injured at Triple-A for Minnesota Twins

Emmanuel Rodriguez — ranked in the top 25 by MLB.com and Baseball America — has been dealing with his own ankle injury, but up until now, had remained mostly available, playing in 39 of the St. Paul Saints 54 games this season. But on Monday, the oft-injured young outfielder landed on the injured list.

If there are three things synonymous with Emmanuel Rodriguez so far during his professional career, they are patience, power, and injuries. The Minnesota Twins star prospect has constantly been tied to all three since signing with the Twins back in 2021, when he was just a teenager.

Last season Rodriguez played in just 47 games after dealing with a thumb injury that ultimately required season-ending surgery. He got 99 games in with Cedar Rapids during 2023, but it’s the only season of his five-year career in which he has played more games than the 47 he played last season.

This year, his first full season at Triple-A, Rodriguez has performed to his offensive track record. He owns a .232/.400/.392 slash line. The outfielder has posted six doubles, a triple, and four home runs with a 56/32 K/BB ratio.

Payton Eeles activated by Saints, Yunior Severino sent to IL

Amidst the roster shuffling for St. Paul on Monday, they do get Payton Eeles back. He is an independent baseball success story that has climbed the Twins minor league ranks. Mike Ford was released and Yunior Severino joined Rodriguez on the IL.

Related: Young Minnesota Twins Star Down on His Luck and Confidence

Eeles is someone to watch. The 25-year-old made it from Single-A to Triple-A last season. He owned a .299/.419/.500 slash line last summer in St. Paul (64 games). It wouldn’t be a shock to see the utility infielder debut with Minnesota this season, especially should he come out of the gates hot.

Rodriguez last played on May 30 for St. Paul, when he was lifted mid-game for Jeferson Morales, then proceeded to miss each of the Saints next two games. Unfortunately, E-Rod’s bad hip forced him to the injured list he had tried so hard to avoid.

How long will the Twins miss E-Rod this time?

Emmanuel Rodriguez is a capable centerfielder, but he is more likely destined for a corner spot, once he makes it to the big leagues. His patience at the plate can be to his detriment, and is a reason the average sags. He does have legitimate plus-power and is considered a consensus top 25 prospect across baseball.

Each year, an injury seems to befall Rodriguez, just like so many high-end prospects before him. The severity of this hip injury has not yet been reported, but the timing isn’t great. Rodriguez is on the 40-man and would be a candidate to make his big league debut, had he continued to hit and stay on the field. ESPN Insider Kiley McDaniel recently noted this exact concern about Rodriguez.

“Rodriguez gets hurt a lot but is at Triple-A doing his usual thing: low average, crazy-high walk rate, power and solid center-field defense.”

Kiley McDaniel – ESPN

McDaniel called Rodriguez the Twins “next to debut” but this certainly throws water on that. Carson McCusker got a promotion only after a rash of injuries. DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was optioned after Matt Wallner returned, and his .109/.136/.156 line won’t earn him a return all too soon.

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

Theoretically Rodriguez could have been next in line if Minnesota needed a regular outfielder. The 22 year old’s latest injury puts a wrench in the plan though. The hope should be that this injury doesn’t cost him significant time, but that’s never been a reality for the Dominican Republic native.

]]> Mon, 02 Jun 2025 20:39:19 +0000 Minnesota Twins Top MN Twins Prospect Hurt Again https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/emmanuel-rodriguez-scratched-st-paul-saints-jammed-thumb/ Sat, 29 Mar 2025 19:30:40 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=61959 The Minnesota Twins made it through Spring Training with a relatively clean bill of health. They still needed to do a bit of roster shuffling at the end of Grapefruit League action due to Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee being injured, though. They are 0-1 in regular season action after losing on Opening Day.

Earlier in camp, both Emmanuel Rodriguez and Walker Jenkins were slowed by ankle issues. Last year, Rodriguez missed a significant amount of time due to a right thumb injury that end up requiring surgery.

Friday night, the St. Paul Saints kicked off their season in a cold home opener. Rodriguez was cleared, and played in that game. Today, he is already out of the lineup.

Emmanuel Rodriguez scratched from Minnesota Twins Triple-A lineup

Last season Emmanuel Rodriguez finished the year at Triple-A St. Paul for the Minnesota Twins. He played in just 47 games during the year after suffering that thumb injury. Rodriguez went 3-for-4 on Opening Day last night, but now is dealing with a “jammed” left thumb.

The severity of Rodriguez’s thumb injury is not known right now. However, he was originally scheduled to bat third as the designated hitter for St. Paul on Saturday. During the 11-0 victory against Indianapolis, Rodriguez had two singles and a double. He did not steal a base, but did break for second (and slid in head first) before being called back on a foul ball. He did not leave the game nor was there any indication of an injury.

Hopefully this is a case of the Saints, and Twins, being cautious with Rodriguez. He is a consensus top 25 prospect across all of baseball. He has the potential to be a difference maker for the Minnesota Twins this season.

St. Paul wound up postponing their scheduled game on Saturday against the Indians. That allows another day for Rodriguez to heal and get back to full strength. It’s possible Sunday’s game sees the same fate, and that would keep Rodriguez on the shelf until Tuesday in Columbus at least.

Across 231 minor league games, Rodriguez has an incredible .457 on-base percentage. He has hit 44 home runs and stolen 49 bases. There is a significant amount of speed to his game, but given the continued issues with his thumbs, Minnesota should think about mandating he slide feet first.

Rodriguez being back in the lineup quickly would certainly be a positive development. For such an outstanding talent, he can’t continue to be unavailable due to injuries.

]]> Sat, 29 Mar 2025 15:00:14 +0000 Minnesota Twins Minnesota Twins Make First Round of Spring Training Cuts https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/minnesota-twins-news/first-round-spring-training-roster-cuts-cory-lewis/ Sun, 09 Mar 2025 21:44:47 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=61110 Spring Training is now multiple weeks old for the Minnesota Twins. They have played to a 6-6 record up to this point and are now gearing up for Opening Day. As roster battles continue to take shape, there is a need to get the regulars more consistent playing time.

Rocco Baldelli must trim down the group of men on the roster, and tighten up his clubhouse. After a game against the Baltimore Orioles today (Mar 9), Minnesota began the process of whittling down their options.

Nine players optioned to minor league camp for Minnesota Twins

There are a handful of Minnesota Twins players that were never going to make the major league club. Invited to big league spring training for a myriad of reasons, their time to be optioned was always going to come. A handful of veterans and minor league prospects are now among the group sent to the back fields.

NamePositionHighest Level
Cory LewisRHPTriple-A
Randy DobnakRHPMLB
Erasmo RamirezRHPMLB
Alex IsolaCTriple-A
Yunior SeverinoINFTriple-A
Emmanuel Rodriguez*OFTriple-A
Travis Adams*RHPTriple-A
Marco Raya*RHPTriple-A
Matt Canterino*RHPDouble-A
* Denotes 40-man roster

Most notable of the cuts would be Cory Lewis. He looked sharp in two innings of Grapefruit League action and picked up a pair of strikeouts. His knuckleball pitch may be a record-breaking offering in speed at the big league level. He’ll be part of a talented rotation at Triple-A St. Paul, and should appear at Target Field at some point this season.

Related: Minnesota Twins Provide a Bunch of Injury Updates

Last season, Randy Dobnak made his way back up to the big leagues, and finished with a 5.59 ERA over 9.2 innings, for the Twins. Mot recently, he pitched six scoreless innings, including a three-inning outing on Sunday. Dobnak picked up seven strikeouts in the outing. No longer on the 40-man roster, Dobnak is in the final year of a five-year extension worth $9.25 million.

Minnesota brought Erasmo Ramirez in as a late addition to compete for a bullpen spot. He was an easy choice to option after suffering a significant tear that could threaten his season as a whole.

Related: Minnesota Twins Bullpen Harboring Dark Horse Stud Nobody is Talking About

Both Alex Isola and Yunior Severino are Triple-A depth pieces. The former will rotate time at catcher alongside Jair Camargo, and the recently acquired Diego Cartaya. The latter was previously on the 40-man roster but his .254/.342/.434 slash line at Triple-A across 128 games last year played himself out of the picture.

MN Twins 40-man talent headed to St. Paul

The Saints rotation should have plenty of talent in it this year, and they will all be depth pieces that the Minnesota Twins can rely on. Marco Raya and Travis Adams were added to the 40-man roster this offseason. Now, each is looking for the opportunity to make their big league debut.

Marco Raya, Minnesota Twins
Credit: Chris Tilley-Imagn Images

Emmanuel Rodriguez hit Triple-A last season despite an injury-plagued campaign. He had thumb surgery this offseason, and was already behind schedule after suffering an ankle injury. But, he should be running this week and will get in minor league action before the season kicks off.

Matt Canterino also is among the 40-man group that was optioned. He is dealing with a shoulder injury that will sideline him for months, after making just one Spring Training appearance. It’s a tough blow for a prospect that needs to make it work this season. His injury may make it difficult for the Twins to keep him on the 40-man over others over the course of the year.

After trimming down the group by nine spots, the Minnesota Twins still have 48 players in big league camp. They have 17 days to make the final 22 roster moves.

]]> Sun, 09 Mar 2025 19:04:04 +0000 Minnesota Twins News Minnesota Twins Minnesota Twins Provide a Bunch of Injury Updates https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/minnesota-twins-news/spring-training-injury-updates-jenkins-rodriguez-matthews-topa-tonkin-canterino/ Sat, 08 Mar 2025 19:50:50 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=61081 The Minnesota Twins are now multiple weeks into Spring Training. They have tied a few times but ultimately own a 6-5-3 record. For Major League Baseball, spring is about a couple things. Obviously, teams are preparing for Opening Day, which for the Twins comes on March 26 in St. Louis.

But the most important part of this time of year is staying healthy. Last year, the Twins struggled to do that, and it wound up being a running narrative throughout the season. And this last week, we’ve seen more of the same thing down in Florida, though most of this year’s injuries have involved prospects, not impact big leaguers.

Minnesota Twins prospects dealing with injuries down in Spring Training

MLB: Spring Training-Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees
Credit: Dave Nelson-Imagn Images

Let’s start with oft-injured, aging pitching prospect, Matt Canterino, when he suffered a shoulder strain back in early March. He isn’t the only pitching prospect dealing with injuries, though. Zebby Mathews, another advanced minor league pitcher the Twins are hoping will make an impact in their rotation this summer, has a hip strain.

Minnesota Twins hitting prospects have been bitten by the injury bug too. In fact, the best two prospects in the entire organization — Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez — are both trying to recover from their own injuries too. Big league relievers Justin Topa and Michael Tonkin are also dealing with shoulder issues.

Matt Canterino, Erasmo Ramirez injury update

On Saturday, Minnesota Twins injury updates were aplenty, on all the aforementioned prospects. Matt Canterino, who hasn’t pitched in a professional game since 2022, is dealing with the same type of shoulder injury that cost him all of last season. Local insider Darren Wolfson took it a step further on SKOR North this week, saying Canterino is expected to miss at least 6-8 weeks.

“Matt Canterino, shoulder strain, looking at 6-8 weeks if not more. It’s just another injury for the Twins pitching prospect. Very unfortunate.”

Darren Wolfson – Skor North

Canterino was placed on the Minnesota Twins 40-man roster prior to the 2023 season. He has yet to be placed on the 60-day injured list, but that could be coming. Matt Canterino’s 1.48 ERA and 130 strikeouts across 85 professional innings makes a fan wonder. Unfortunately, his body isn’t reliable.

Related: Minnesota Twins Prospects Revealed for Exclusive MLB ‘Spring Breakout’

Erasmo Ramirez, who was likely ticketed for St. Paul, may not wind up pitching in the Twins organization at all this season. The veteran threw 20 2/3 innings with a 4.35 ERA for Tampa Bay last season, but a significant shoulder tear may end his season.

Zebby Matthews, Michael Tonkin, Justin Topa injury updates

News regarding Zebby Matthews appears to be positive after he left the game following a ball he fielded coming off the mound. The starter suggested he could continue pitching but the Twins wanted to error on the side of caution and re-evaluate him.

Matthews has pitched well this spring and owns a 7/0 K/BB across 6 1/3 innings. He is on the outside looking in for a rotation spot, but could challenge both Chris Paddack and Simeon Woods Richardson.

Related: Minnesota Twins Flamethrower Struggling to Find Heat

Speaking of Paddack, he threw on Saturday but exited after just 2 2/3 innings after as he was hit in the head by a comeback line drive that thankfully deflected off his glove first. Paddack walked off the field under his own power and is not showing concussion symptoms, per LaVelle E Neal (Star Tribune).

Unfortunately, bullpen updates are less promising. Michael Tonkin, who’s near the bottom of the pecking order, has allowed four runs on six hits in 2 2/3 innings this spring. He needs more time to rest, and is a likely candidate to begin the season on the injured list.

Justin Topa has consistently been injured since joining the Twins. Last season was a knee issue and now he has shoulder soreness. There is a possibility he could have been a capable middle-relief arm, but not if he can’t stay on the field.

Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez injury updates

Both Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez are on their way back for the Minnesota Twins. Spring training minor league games started on Saturday and Jenkins told me he is “doing good.” The hope is that he can be in games soon.

Fellow top prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez has now had back-to-back days of batting practice. He had thumb surgery to end his 2024 season and told trainers he’s swinging pain-free “for the first time in seven months.” Rodriguez will start running next week and shouldn’t miss any regular season time. MLB Pipeline’s Sam Dykstra had updates on both prospects, as well.

Walker Jenkins is on his way back from a left ankle sprain after jumping for a ball at the outfield fence. Says he’s on his way back, not a concern long term. My interview with him will be on MLB Network’s 30 in 15 series later today.

— Sam Dykstra (@samdykstramilb.bsky.social) March 8, 2025 at 10:18 AM

Emmanuel Rodriguez taking BP cuts on the backfields too:

[image or embed]

— Sam Dykstra (@samdykstramilb.bsky.social) March 8, 2025 at 11:58 AM

Although it was just a 47 game sample size, it’s beyond impressive that Rodriguez played through pain to post a .280/.459/.567 OPS and reach Triple-A. He’s way up there on top 100 prospect lists. Both Rodriguez and Jenkins should have a real shot to turn heads in 2025.

Related: Twins Manager Rocco Baldelli Wants a F***ing Parade

Minnesota needs to continue a trend of more positive injury updates and have the bill of health remain clean through the final weeks of March. They were hit hard just before Opening Day last season. Hopefully history doesn’t repeat itself.

]]> Sat, 08 Mar 2025 17:32:41 +0000 Minnesota Twins News Minnesota Twins Minnesota Twins Top Prospects Sidelined at Spring Training https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/minnesota-twins-news/marco-raya-emmanuel-rodriguez-walker-jenkins-injury-updates/ Sat, 01 Mar 2025 16:18:48 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=60823 Spring Training is well under way around Major League Baseball. The Minnesota Twins have already played six games. Entering Saturday’s game vs the Boston Red Sox, starter Bailey Ober was the only projected Opening Day rotation starter who had yet to throw an exhibition pitch this Spring.

It was around time last year that the injury bug first started hitting the Minnesota Twins 2024 roster. Last March was when they first lost Jhoan Duran and Brooks Lee, who eventually returned to the lineup. Justin Topa and Anthony DeSclafani also went down while the team was down in Fort Myers a year ago.

Emmanuel Rodriguez - Minnesota Twins
Credit: Chris Tilley-Imagn Images

We’d later find out those early injury issues were only the start of a narrative that would eventually derail what looked like another playoff-bound season, during the first half. Outside of some underreported top prospect injuries from February, health hasn’t been a huge concern for the 2025 MN Twins, so far.

But on Saturday, a slew of injury updates painted a worrisome picture regarding the health of multiple top prospects in the organization. Two of the three involved the most exciting non-pitching prospects in the Twins’ system, both top 10 in the MLB, depending on where you look.

Walker Jenkins out for Minnesota Twins

The first involves the youngest of the Twins’ top talent, 20-year-old Walker Jenkins. The 2023 No. 5 overall draft pick is being slowed to start minor league Spring Training, yet again, this time due to an ankle sprain he suffered upon his arrival to MiLB camp last weekend.

Unlike last March, when back spasms caused him to miss the start of the minor league regular season, this injury is not expected to be a problem when regular season games begin across the organization. This, according to a report from The Athletic’s Dan Hayes.

When camp breaks, Jenkins should be ticketed for Double-A Wichita, where he played the final six games of his 2024 regular season. Jenkins — who enters the season ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB.com — hit .282/.394/.439 across 82 games last season, including 22 doubles, four triples, and six home runs.

Jenkins combines incredible raw talent, power and speed. He’s a five-tool player who projects as a future masher of baseballs, and an above-average glove in center field, should the Minnesota Twins decide to keep him there.

Related: Minnesota Twins Hiding Plans for Louis Varland, Who Did Not Change His Name

If Jenkins can get healthy this spring and start the regular season off on the right foot, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him knocking on the door of the major leagues at some point near the end of the season.

Emmanuel Rodriguez remains sidelined for Twins

As noted above, Emmanuel Rodriguez remains out of action for the Twins. His ankle sprain has kept him off the field and he won’t be in a game for another week and a half. That means Rodriguez will have just over two weeks of game action for Minnesota before starting the regular season.

Emmanuel Rodriguez — who was brought in as an international free agent before the 2021 season — had surgery on his thumb last year, an injury that forced him to miss considerable stretches of the 2024 summer. Given all of the hype surrounding baseball’s No. 37 overall prospect (according to MLB.com), the last thing the Twins want is him entering the season with an injury.

Last year’s injury issues allowed Rodriguez to play in only 47 minor league games last season. He has never played in more than 99 games, as a professional. That was back in 2023, the only season in which he’s topped 50 games played. His .280/.459/.567 slash line from 2024 was exceptional. The Twins just need him to stay healthy and on the field.

Rodriguez earned a promotion to Triple-A St. Paul last season, and that’s where he is expected to immediately made an impact for the Saints in 2025, as long as he can stay healthy. That’s a big “if”. Health-willing, though we should see Emmanuel Rodriguez in a Twins uniform this season, sooner than later.

MN Twins pitching prospect Marco Raya also injured

Another notable absence down in Fort Myers has been that of Twins top pitching prospect, Marco Raya. He was scheduled to pitch last week, but didn’t make his appearance, due to a left quad strain he has been dealing with.

Health has been something that Minnesota has tread carefully with Raya on. He made 25 starts last season, but averaged less than four innings per outing. The former fourth-round pick is just 22 years old, but the organization continues to slow-play his build up.

The quad injury is hopefully minimal and will allow Raya to get back on the mound in short order. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen for the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, with live batting practice expected to take place later in the week.

Related: Multiple Minnesota Twins Players Rattled After Near Death Experience

Last season, Raya owned a 4.05 ERA across 97 2/3 innings. He struck out 103 but walked 44. There is a lot to like in his profile, but the Twins have to determine whether or not he can hold up as a starter. Raya hit Triple-A St. Paul last season and is projected to be in their rotation. He could be a possibility for the Twins at some point this summer.

Through their first six games of Grapefruit League action the Twins have showcased a few of their top pitching prospects. Cory Lewis and Andrew Morris have both appeared in action.

]]> Sat, 01 Mar 2025 16:12:41 +0000 Minnesota Twins News Minnesota Twins