It’s all but assumed that Minnesota will lose the necessary four games in order to reach 90 losses. What comes of that this offseason remains to be seen, but changes should be expected.

Those changes will happen on both the player and personnel front. Some holdovers will force looming decisions regarding the state of the roster. For Matt Wallner, his contributions thus far will have to be enough as his season comes to an end.

Matt Wallner done for season with oblique injury

On Wednesday against the New York Yankees, Matt Wallner was lifted by the Minnesota Twins with what they called right back spasms. On Friday he was placed on the injured list with an oblique strain.

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

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) September 19, 2025

Even if the MN Twins had more than 10 games to go, the reality is that Wallner likely would be in line to miss time. Oblique injuries aren’t often quick to heal, and they can be especially tricky when trying to swing.

Wallner played in a career-high 104 games for the Twins this season. He finishes with a .202/.311/.464 slash line, and a career-best 22 home runs. Unfortunately his 110 OPS+ is 39 points below where he was last year, and 29 points below what he entered with as a career average.

Matt Wallner extends the @Twins lead with his 21st homer of the season 💪 pic.twitter.com/rDn6Tht8rx

— MLB (@MLB) September 5, 2025

At multiple points this season Wallner looked like a capable slugger in the middle of the lineup. Despite the poor average, he drew walks and posted a career-low strikeout rate. Unfortunately he also struggled with velocity and more-often-than-not, left plenty to be desired from an overall contribution perspective.

Related: Where Will MN Twins Superstar Finish in MVP Race?

Wallner’s thump was also largely mitigated by a lineup that failed to produce in front of him. Despite the career-high 22 home runs, he generated just 40 RBI. A metric that largely reflects opportunity, Minnesota failed to provide him much when stepping in to the box.

MN Twins recall DaShawn Keirsey Jr.

DaShawn Keirsey Jr. is back up to take Wallner’s place. He leaves Triple-A St. Paul as the Saints have just three games left to play. Keirsey Jr. has played in 70 games for Minnesota this season. He owns a .110/.141/.183 slash line with a 32/2 K/BB. Short of his speed and defense, it’s been a failure to capitalize on opportunity.

Keirsey Jr. has had a significant amount of runway this season. Unfortunately his .300/.368/.476 slash line across 111 Triple-A games last season hasn’t resulted in big league production.

Related: MN Twins Catcher Nearing Long-Awaited Return

Like Wallner, and to a greater extent, the Twins will need to make a decision on what impact Keirsey Jr. makes going forward. It’s hard for him to be a backup outfielder with no other translatable utility.

Minnesota starts their final homestand on Friday night with four games in three days against Cleveland.

It was Carson McCusker that was optioned (following Sunday’s game) to make room for Buxton. Matt Wallner has been on the paternity list for a couple of days after he and his wife Sydnie welcomed their first child.

When the Twins activated Wallner on Tuesday, the roster move had multiple ripple effects that provide differing levels of intrigue.

Jhonny Pereda optioned by Minnesota Twins for Matt Wallner

The Minnesota Twins claimed Jhonny Pereda from the Athletics late last month. He took the 40-man spot from Jair Camargo and immediately became a depth catching option. Despite being promoted as a catcher in the wake of Christian Vazquez’s emergency surgery, he never got behind the plate.

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

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) August 12, 2025

It’s not all that surprising the Minnesota Twins would prefer not to play Pereda. He has a 40 OPS+ in 37 big league games, and despite an .890 OPS in 33 Triple-A games this season, he’s just never been able to put it together beyond that.

The intriguing thing here is that the demotion of Pereda, with Vazquez on the injured list, makes Mickey Gasper the backup catcher. Ryan Jeffers has rotated with Christian Vazquez for the past three years because his defense holds him back. It’s unlikely that he’ll now catch every day, and Gasper leaves plenty to be desired on his own.

Related: Minnesota Twins Veteran Undergoes Serious Emergency Surgery

Gasper was utilized in a utility role for the Twins earlier this year. Minnesota had him working on both second base and first base because his ability behind the dish was questionable at best. Now that’s where he’ll be needed most.

Mickey Gasper now big part of the Twins roster

For the vast majority of the 26 games Gasper has played with the Twins, he has been little more than an overlooked part of the roster. As the lone backup catcher, that all changes.

The Twins hoped a .918 Triple-A OPS would eventually translate to the big league level. That has yet to take hold, as he owns just a .137/.279/.157 slash line for Minnesota.

Mickey Gasper going coast to coast for the #ꓘsoftheDay pic.twitter.com/1SXeyxWgby

— Xan Barksdale (@xanbarksdale) August 11, 2025

With 44 games remaining, it’s unlikely that Vazquez makes it back to a clean bill of health. Gasper will need to do what he can to prop up his own value. This may be the one and only shot he has to carve out a major league career, and the Minnesota Twins have cleared the runway for him.

Related: Update Reveals New MN Twins Top 100 Prospect; Others Tumble Down List…

The Gasper selection doesn’t speak highly of expectations for Pereda, but the final month and a half is a proving ground for everyone.

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.

His return comes almost a week after Correa’s. Buxton was placed on the seven-day concussion list, just one day before Buxton was. Before that brutal collision, their teammate Royce Lewis had just returned from the injured list, which he landed on during Spring Training.

Since getting back in the lineup, Royce has yet to find his offense and the kid’s confidence has taken a HUGE hit, which he made clear to reporters the other day. Oh, and don’t forget the loss of Pablo Lopez to the 15-day injured list, in between his 10 starts of 2.75 ERA and 1.012 WHIP dominance.

Matt Wallner not yet ready for a return to the Minnesota Twins lineup…?

Then, there is outfielder Matt Wallner, who strained his left hamstring back on April 15. He sat on the injured list for over a month, before starting a rehab assignment on May 21 at Triple-A St. Paul. All he has done with the Saints is mash, batting .320 with a 1.330 OPS, piling up 5 homers and 13 RBI in just six games.

Sounds like he’s ready for a return right? Well, that’s what we all thought. Earlier on Friday, Dan Hayes (The Athletic) even reported that “looks like” Wallner would return to the Minnesota Twins lineup on Saturday.

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

Then, just hours later, Betsy Helfand (Pioneer Press) reported (in a now deleted tweet) that Matt will not be in the big league lineup tomorrow. Instead, the tweet read that Wallner would be in the Saints lineup for his seventh consecutive rehab game.

Matt Wallner has today off and is scheduled to play in another rehab game on Saturday.

— Betsy Helfand (@betsyhelfand) May 31, 2025

Technically, the Twins could keep the Wallner down in St. Paul until June 10, when his 20-day rehab assignment would expire. Hopefully, it doesn’t take near that long. The Twins had an offensive blowup in the late innings Friday night, but the bats have struggled to get going lately.

Not only has the Forest Lake, MN native been destroying the confidence of minor league pitchers, but prior to his injury, Matt was one of the best and most reliable hitters in the big league lineup too, batting .263 with a .847 OPS, 5 doubles, 2 triples and one home run.

Twins explanation of Wallner’s extended rehab assignment makes no sense

Minnesota Twins head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta was asked by reporters (excerpt below via Phil Miller – Star Tribune) if there is a problem with Wallner or if they are worried about his hamstring. His answer: ‘Nope, he’s doing great’.

Wallner’s strained left hamstring is responding as well as his bat is, said Twins head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta. “He is having no issues with his hamstring. Doing great,” Paparesta said. “He was on base quite a bit and had to run [with no problems]. He’s done well in the outfield as well.” Paparesta didn’t give a specific return date but said, “There’s a number of at-bats we’d like to see him get to, and if we’re there, we’re there.”

Star Tribune

What kind of explanation is that? Royce Lewis — who had a very similar hamstring strain — hit .174 in 24 Triple-A plate appearances during his rehab stint. Wallner has already gotten 27 plate appearances (batting .320). Yet, he needs more time and Lewis didn’t?

Then again, Betsy deleted the original tweet that sparked all of this. Does that mean she was wrong and Matt Wallner will be in the Twins lineup on Saturday? Stay tuned…

Despite the winning, there has still been a lack of production from the lineup. Rocco Baldelli’s team has been carried by the pitching staff this season and there’s always an opportunity to score more runs.

After suffering a concussion in a collision with teammate Carlos Correa on May 15, the star centerfield is back in the lineup.

Minnesota Twins activate Byron Buxton

Byron Buxton was placed on the 7-day concussion injured list on May 16. He wound up missing 11 games for the Minnesota Twins but will rejoin the lineup Friday night in Seattle.

We have made the following roster move: pic.twitter.com/r8fIcfWl3a

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) May 30, 2025

Carson McCusker was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul following the Twins game Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. He quickly reported to Omaha and played Thursday night. That move opened a roster spot for Buxton, who has traveled with Minnesota on the current road trip.

Byron Buxton returns as the team leader in fWAR at 1.9. He returns to a .261/.312/.522 slash line with 10 home runs. Aside from this collision, he has been remarkably healthy this season and is running at speeds we haven’t seen in years.

Is it too early to start the Byron Buxton for All-Star campaign??? pic.twitter.com/CofR2RR8GG

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) May 14, 2025

Hopefully the concussion or any lingering effects don’t impact Buxton’s overall health. He has played free in the field and on the basepaths this year while enjoying the clean bill of health. Buxton is a perfect 8-for-8 in stolen base attempts.

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

A Minnesota Twins lineup that has been stretched, especially in the outfield, will welcome back their leader with open arms.

Matt Wallner on the way for MN Twins too

It’s not just Byron Buxton that the Minnesota Twins will be getting back this weekend. Slugging outfielder Matt Wallner is expected to join the team on Saturday. He has been on the shelf since April 15 with a hamstring strain.

Byron Buxton has been activated off the concussion list. He’s replacing Carson McCusker, who was optioned.

Looks like Matt Wallner will return Saturday. #MNTwins

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) May 30, 2025

In six Triple-A rehab games Wallner slashed .320/.370/.960 with five home runs. He launched dingers in three-straight games to end his time in St. Paul.

Wallner will return to a .263/.373/.474 slash line for Minnesota. Prior to his injury he was among the Twins most dangerous hitters. Baldelli will be looking for his corner outfielder to pick up where he left off.

A logical option candidate to create room for Wallner is outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr. He has provided defense and speed this season, but is batting just .111/.138/.159 through 65 plate appearances.

Monday, they go to Sacramento for four against the MLB orphan Athletics, who are currently playing their home games in Sacramento. At 30-25 the Twins are suddenly one of the better teams in the American League. If the season ended today, they’d even be a playoff team.

The Minnesota Twins have a 13-game winning streak to thank for bringing them back to AL Central relevance, and they have Byron Buxton to thank for that unbelievable two-week run. Just like we’ve seen since the moment he made his way to the big leagues, the Twins go as Buxton does.

Through 41 games this season, Buxton owns a .261/.312/.522 slash line with five doubles, three triples, and ten home runs and a 834 OPS, putting the 31-year-old former No. 2 overall draft pick on one of the best seasons of his career.

Minnesota Twins expecting Byron Buxton back vs Seattle

Unfortunately, Buck’s incredible season came to a screeching halt when he and Carlos Correa collided in shallow center field a couple of weeks ago. After spending the mandatory seven days on the MLB concussion list, Correa was immediately activated. Not so much for Byron… but that is about to change.

Byron Buxton did not play in Tampa, but he didn’t go along on their current road trip just for moral support. He continues to progress through Major League Baseball’s concussion protocol, and according to Bobby Nightengale (Star Tribune), he’s expected back on Friday vs the Mariners.

Byron Buxton taking on-field BP before today’s game in Tampa. If he continues to progress well, he could rejoin the roster for the upcoming series in Seattle. pic.twitter.com/Hv7Apc63xT

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) May 28, 2025

Buxton was placed on the injured list retroactive to May 16. That means he has missed 12 days and — should he make his return Friday — will ultimately miss 11 games since suffering his latest concussion. Unlike Correa, Buxton has a history of concussions, which has slowed his recovery process and added to the hoops he must jump through to be cleared.

Incredibly, Byron Buxton still leads the team with 1.9 fWAR. Prior to his collision with Correa, Buxton had remained healthy all season, while playing Gold Glove caliber center field. The Minnesota Twins were shutout on getaway day vs the Rays, cementing their total runs during the three-game series at FOUR. Without a doubt, getting their best offensive player back in the lineup will help those offensive efforts.

Matt Wallner could be back for MN Twins too

It’s not just Byron Buxton that could return for the Minnesota Twins on Friday, however. Matt Wallner has been on the shelf since mid-April with a hamstring strain. He too is expected to join the team when they fly to Seattle. Wallner has crushed Triple-A pitching, during his rehab assignment, something he was doing vs MLB pitchers, prior to his injury.

The Forest Lake native has played four rehab games with the Saints, going 6-for-16 with three home runs. To suggest the bat is ready would be putting it lightly. Minnesota wants to make sure his hamstring is ready to go, and the final test is a back-to-back appearance in the outfield.

This is one way to start off the night. @Matt_Wallner with an absolute blast to right. His third homer of the season and this one off former #MNTwins John Gant. No statcast data, but we estimate this home run at roughly at 625 feet, give or take one or two feet. pic.twitter.com/VMYfoZ7RwF

— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) May 27, 2025

If that goes well, then Wallner will rejoin the Twins on their current road trip as well. A Wallner and Buxton activation requires two roster moves. Carson McCusker, who grabbed his first major league hit against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, was optioned following the game. A second spot would likely require DaShawn Keirsey Jr. being sent to Triple-A.

Related: Pohlads Want Us to Believe MN Twins Sale is “Closer to the End”

Keirsey Jr. has batted a putrid .115/.143/.164 across 43 games this season. He’s an exceptional defender and brings a speed threat to the table. Still, there’s no reason to lose someone like Jonah Bride (who is out of options) for Keirsey Jr. while he is going like that.

Minnesota could be at their cleanest bill of health offensively by this weekend. For a team needing offense, that’s a great reality to experience.

Heading into the evening, Minnesota holds sole possession of 2nd place in the AL Central, now just 3.5 games back of the Detroit Tigers, who currently hold the best record in the American League, at 33-19. And the good news continues to roll in for the red-hot MN Twins.

On Friday, news broke that 31-year-old center fielder Byron Buxton — who remains on the concussion list after colliding with Carlos Correa in shallow center over a week ago — is getting very close to his return.

This, now a couple of days after the other 2012 top two overall draft pick involved in that outfield crash last week found his way off the concussion list and back into the Twins lineup. Buxton following behind Correa throughout this process is no surprise, given Byron’s past history with head injuries.

Bring on all the good news Minnesota Twins injury updates

On more than just a baseball level, it is very good to hear that Buck is feeling better. But the good news injury updates continued to roll in on Saturday. This time, it involved Matt Wallner, who has been out since mid-April with a hamstring strain, but recently began a rehab assignment with the St. Paul Saints.

According to SKOR North’s Declan Goff — who’s been on the Twins’ home beat for a couple of seasons now — reported that the 27-year-old outfielder will get today off, before traveling with the Saints to continue his rehab assignment on the road, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Then, at some point next week during Minnesota’s upcoming 10-game road trip, reports Declan, Matt Wallner is expected to re-join the Twins lineup.

It’s a scheduled off day for Matt Wallner today. He’ll see time in the field tomorrow though, and likely travel with the Saints to Omaha before eventually joining the #MNTwins on their 10-game roadtrip.

— Declan Goff (@DexsTweets) May 24, 2025

Related: Minnesota Twins Rising Up MLB Power Rankings

Looking ahead, that 1.5 weeks on the road will begin with a series in Tampa Bay, vs the Rays. After they are finished with the Rays, they’ll fly cross-country for three in Seattle vs the Mariners, before wrapping up the extended trip with four games in Sacramento vs the Athletics.

When can we expect Matt Wallner back and how has he been feeling?

If I were to use context clues in order to project Matt’s return to Minnesota’s active roster, I’d pin it on Friday, May 30. That is the Twins’ first game of the road trip out West. Of course, should something happen that requires Wallner to rejoin the lineup sooner than anticipated, I think it’s safe to say he’d be ready.

In the first two games of his rehab assignment with the St. Paul Saints (both vs the Norfolk Tides), Matt Wallner went 5-of-9 (.556) with 6 RBI and 4 runs scored. He’s done most of his damage via two home runs in his rehab debut. The Forest Lake, MN native then returned the next night and smacked a double.

Make it 2-4 with 2 BOMBS by @Matt_Wallner. He crushes this change up to straightaway center. Now just 10 shy of the franchise record. You scoffed when we said he could get it by the end of the weekend. He's BAAAAAACK pic.twitter.com/hsKvIzpmBy

— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) May 23, 2025

Bases loaded loaded and the last man you want to see up if you're the opposition is @Matt_Wallner. You also don't want to throw him a 92 mph fastball middle half in. Clears the bases with the double. Lead 4-1, still batting bottom 2 pic.twitter.com/5YarGn4WIP

— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) May 24, 2025

Prior to being placed on the injured list, Matt was one of the best and most consistent hitters in a Minnesota Twins lineup that desperately needed it, at the time. Whenever Wallner is eventually activated, he will look to improve on an already impressive .263/.373/.474 slash line.

Related: Royce Lewis is Back and Better Than Ever… on Defense

In 57 big league at-bats so far this season, the Twins starting right fielder is touting an .847 OPS and 135 OPS+. Batting exclusively in the leadoff spot, Matt Wallner has batted in three runs and scored another seven.

He’s splattered numbers all over the box score, hitting one homer, five doubles and a triple, to go with 19 strikeouts and 9 walks. We’ll see if Rocco wants to insert Matt back into the leadoff role, and if so, how quickly.

On Wednesday, we got another update on both superstars. Correa, according to Audra Martin (Twins.TV), he is no longer showing any signs of concussion symptoms. The former Platinum Glove shortstop has resumed baseball activities, meaning we can hopefully assume he’ll return on or shortly after his mandatory seven-day concussion list stay is complete.

Minnesota Twins reveal new updates on Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa concussions

Unfortunately, the news on Byron Buxton wasn’t quite as positive. The Twins’ other former Platinum Glove winner remains behind his teammate and fellow 2012 top two MLB Draft pick, in their respective concussion recoveries. Twins representatives are chalking Buxton’s delayed recovery up to his past with head injuries.

Carlos Correa is ahead of Byron Buxton in terms of returning from their concussions. Still TBD on when either would be ready, but Correa is coming along. #MNTwins

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) May 21, 2025

“Head trainer Nick Paparesta said [Carlos Correa’s] concussion symptoms are basically completely gone. He has started baseball activities and will still need to pass some tests and protocols before he can officially return. But they say they feel like they are in a really good spot.

Byron Buxton, however, is a little bit behind C4. Because of his concussion history, it can take a bit longer to progress. But the good news is he did start doing some light baseball activities earlier today.”

Audra Martin – Twins.TV

Getting either Carlos Correa or Byron Buxton back in the lineup and out on the field will immediately make them a much better team both offensively and defensively. But waiting on Buck will hurt. Once cleared, both players are eligible to come off the concussion list on Friday.

When the 31-year-old went into concussion protocol, he was inarguably the Minnesota Twins’ best player — posting 1.8 bWAR built on a .261 batting average, .834 OPS and 3 defensive runs saved.

Correa was hitting better when he left the lineup too, but he’s off to one of the slower starts of his career, slashing .236/.274/.331 (.605 OPS). Nonetheless, Carlos is one of the leaders in this dugout and still one of the better defensive shortstops in baseball. No doubt, the Minnesota Twins need him back too.

Matt Wallner starting rehab assignment

But the Twins are waiting on another injured 2025 star to return to the big leagues, as well. Matt Wallner, who ranked near the top of the team in OPS (.847), OPS+ (136) and WAR (0.6) before he went out with a hamstring injury in April, is recovering quicker than expected.

Related: Minnesota Twins Slugger Nearing a Return to Action

On Wednesday, Wallner began a rehab assignment at triple A, St. Paul, meaning he could be activated off the injured list any day too. Martin reported during the Twins game that the plan is to keep him in St. Paul over the weekend, before reassessing the situation.

Hey @StPaulSaints, Matt Wallner is your DH tonight. You can run with it. #MNTwins

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) May 21, 2025

“Matt Wallner will DH tonight for the Saints and he will play with them through the weekend. The Twins will reassess after that.”

Audra Martin – Twins.TV

The weather is making life awfully difficult on the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians this week, as they work around Mother Nature as best they can, to get at least two of their three scheduled games in at Target Field.

After postponing Monday’s game — which was shutdown in the 4th inning — their Tuesday semi-doubleheader was canceled and pushed back to Wednesday. Prior to this week’s rainouts, the MN Twins had won 13 of 14 games, including 13-straight victories, the most so far this MLB season.

None of that has stopped Rocco Baldelli’s club from winning though. The Minnesota Twins just wrapped up a 13-game winning streak and now sit at 26-21 headed into divisional matchups against Cleveland and Kansas City.

It’s not ideal that the Twins have seen their depth tested of late, but it’s a positive that they have stuck together. Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa are the two latest stars to hit the injured list. Matt Wallner was among the first of them, and he could be back soon.

MN Twins eyeing rehab assignment for Matt Wallner

Matt Wallner last appeared in a game for the Minnesota Twins on April 15. He suffered a left-hamstring strain running to first base and has now missed the last month. He could begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul as soon as Wednesday.

Wallner ran the bases Sunday for the first time. Said his hammy has been getting bigger every single day. #MNTwins

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) May 19, 2025

Originally Wallner did a bit more damage to his hamstring by not totally understanding the injury. Soft tissue and lower body setbacks haven’t really been part of his career to this point. With Tuesday representing the six-week mark since he last played, the timeline is coming more clear.

When Wallner originally hit the injured list he did so as Minnesota’s most productive hitter. His 0.5 fWAR through 18 games was a reflection of solid production at the plate and consistent defense in right field.

Wallner ➡️ over the wall pic.twitter.com/gT0s8NArgP

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) April 10, 2025

Wallner will return to a .263/.373/.474 slash line for the Minnesota Twins. He had just recently hit his first home run, but the power has always been part of his game and will be something the lineup will welcome back. He has yet to experience the new Spartan Helmet, but you can bet he’ll don it quickly.

It remains to be seen how many games the Twins will have Wallner play for St. Paul. The Saints are scheduled for five games against Norfolk at CHS Field starting on Wednesday. Rain and cooler temperatures will certainly factor into his availability. The Twins had Royce Lewis play six rehab games with St. Paul after suffering a similar injury.

Matt Wallner must successfully run the bases Tuesday to be cleared for a rehab assignment on Wednesday.

Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa are both actively participating in concussion protocol exercises, working out. #MNTwins

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) May 19, 2025

Wallner has a single hurdle to clear on Tuesday prior to his rehab assignment kicking off. It’s good to see that both of his teammates are also progressing after being involved in a nasty collision together out in Baltimore.

Minnesota Twins outfield changes on the horizon

When Wallner does return to the Minnesota Twins he will shake up the outfield situation a bit. It’s possible that Byron Buxton beats him back to the active roster after being placed on the concussion injured list. The group currently has four players including Harrison Bader, DaShawn Keirsey Jr., Trevor Larnach, and Carson McCusker.

It stands to reason that McCusker is the most likely candidate to be optioned. Kody Clemens and Willi Castro can both play the outfield. Wallner should eventually assume his every day role in right field. He can be eased back in with designated hitter at bats as well.

Related: Longtime Minnesota Twins Starter Suddenly Out of a Job

Minnesota stands to benefit from the exposure and experience that some of the new depth have received with injuries happening early. They should also reap the benefits of established talent returning to consistent starting roles and spots in the lineup.

Lewis is steadily clawing his way back to the majors. The dynamic infielder has already appeared in two Triple-A games with the St. Paul Saints, and is slated to serve as the designated hitter again on Tuesday. The Twins are eager to welcome him back to the big leagues soon.

Unfortunately, teammate Matt Wallner is also out of action, grappling with a recovery timeline similar to Lewis’. His injury history has complicated his journey, yet he remains as eager as ever to rejoin the Twins.

Royce Lewis may rejoin Minnesota Twins in Boston

Conveniently, the St. Paul Saints are in Columbus playing the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians this week. The proximity makes travel plans for Royce Lewis a bit more manageable. The Star Tribune’s Phil Miller revealed the playing schedule for Royce Lewis this week.

“He will serve as designated hitter during the Saints’ doubleheader against the Clippers on Tuesday, then play all nine innings at third base Wednesday.”

Phil Miller – Star Tribune

The Twins are in Cleveland until Thursday with the four-game series concluding following a 12:10 pm CDT day game. That’s where it becomes decision making time, said head trainer Nick Paparesta.

“We’ll re-evaluate where he is on Thursday, how he’s feeling, and we’ll make a decision on what he’s going to do through the weekend. One thing we have to remember is … when you miss six weeks, there’s a certain number of at-bats you need to get. He’s going to need to play a little bit.”

Nick Paparesta – Star Tribune

Through two games with St. Paul, Lewis is 3-for-6 with a double. In spring training he batted .346/.469/.423 in 12 games. While it is understandable that Minnesota wants to make sure Lewis is ready, they did push his teammate to return not too long ago.

Royce Lewis with a single in his first AB for the @StPaulSaints today. pic.twitter.com/BiDXBhOuc2

— Ted (@tlschwerz) April 27, 2025

Brooks Lee exited Grapefruit League action due to a back injury on March 17, one day after Lewis suffered an injury. He missed roughly three weeks, and played in just four rehab games prior to joining the big league club. It will be interesting to see how much time the Twins give Lewis.

Of course no one wants to be back on the diamond more than Royce. He is arguably the most electric talent that the Minnesota Twins employ. And, he’s probably itching to make the .233/.295/.452 slash line he posted across 82 games last season look like a fluke.

Minnesota wants a healthy Lewis back on the field, and they want to see him remain there. There are still more than 130 games left to go, and Rocco Baldelli being able to pencil in his starting third baseman more often than not only helps the team continue to win.

Twins needed to teach Matt Wallner about his injury

Since being drafted in 2019, Matt Wallner has been basically a pillar of health. He doesn’t have a lengthy injury history, and the hamstring strain he just suffered was new to him. That didn’t wind up being a good thing when it came to treatment however, as Paparesta explained to the Star Tribune.

“He’s never had a leg injury before, didn’t know what was going on. He thought he had a cramp. Two days later, it looks black and blue and it’s a pretty significant tear.”

Nick Paparesta – Star Tribune

Wallner’s timeline now is measured in weeks, and it’s likely he’ll be down just as long as Lewis was. At this point he has only jogged on a treadmill, and the training staff will need to help coach him through the process, more than they did with Lewis.

Through 18 games Wallner owned a .263/.373/.474 slash line, and was the Twins leader in fWAR (0.6). He had fully embraced leadoff hitting duties and looked productive both at the plate and in the field.

In his absence, Minnesota has needed to rely heavily on the combination of Harrison Bader and Trevor Larnach in the outfield corners. Those two have largely played well, but it has exposed DaShawn Keirsey Jr. at the plate. The speedster is just 2-for-27 with an 8/0 K/BB, and looks only usable as a defensive substitute.

Related: WTF is Happening to the Minnesota Twins?

It’s possible that Emmanuel Rodriguez performs well enough for the Saints to promote him before Wallner returns. Unfortunately though, the top prospect is dealing with another thumb injury and is batting just .231/.359/.277 this season.

If there’s a name to watch when it comes to swapping out Keirsey Jr., Carson McCusker is it. The former independent ball talent has slashed .316/.388/.632 in 22 games for the Saints this season, and could provide a spark in the outfield.

Willi Castro on Minnesota’s horizon as well

The Twins waited eight days to place Willi Castro on the injured list despite him being unavailable due to an oblique injury. He’s now eligible to come off the list on Thursday, and Nick Paparesta told the Star Tribune he’s close.

“We did some testing on him today, which was good. He’s doing all baseball activities, including infield, throwing, outfield work, running. I probably need three or four more days before [we know if] he’s going to be ready on the day [he’s eligible to be] activated.”

Nick Paparesta – Star Tribune

It’s possible that Castro finds his way into the outfield mix as well, though he primarily played on the dirt before getting injured. He was batting just .227/.292/.364 before going down and, combined with his .219/.298/.329 slash line in 62 games after the All-Star Game last year, nothing should be a given for the utility man.

Minnesota needs Castro back on the roster, but they need him productive beyond just being healthy. He’ll have an opportunity to work towards that soon.