Payton Eeles News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/payton-eeles/ Minnesota sports, but different Tue, 03 Jun 2025 01:39:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 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 Payton Eeles News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/payton-eeles/ 32 32 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 Minnesota Twins Provide Updates on Injured Pitchers https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/minnesota-twins-news/justin-topa-zebby-matthews-injury-updates-culpepper-eeles/ Thu, 13 Mar 2025 22:24:45 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=61355 The Minnesota Twins are now less than two weeks away from Opening Day when they head to St. Louis. Through Grapefruit League action thus far, they have remained relatively healthy. They own a 7-9 record through a pretty normal spring training as of now. Last season saw a myriad of injuries pop up just as Rocco Baldelli’s team was leaving Fort Myers, so let’s hope they leave a little more healthy this time around.

Thankfully, as we speak, Minnesota hasn’t seen any issues with their star trio of Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton, and Royce Lewis. A couple of pitchers have experienced setbacks, but it appears none of them should be long term.

Minnesota knocked off the Pittsburgh Pirates in a big way on Thursday at Lee Health Sports Complex. The 15-3 drubbing featured 14 runs combined between the fifth and sixth innings. We received some injury updates yesterday, as well.

MN Twins Pitchers Escape Serious Issues

The starting rotation appears set to go for game 1. The Minnesota Twins will trot out Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Chris Paddack, and Simeon Woods Richardson. They also have nice depth at Triple-A, and which means the. St. Paul Saints should have a good year, too. The depth took a hit when Zebby Matthews exited his last start with hip discomfort, however.

Related: Minnesota Twins Sale Has Officially Hit a Snag

Fortunately he is no worse for wear, and returned to the mound on Wednesday night against the Boston Red Sox. Minnesota’s breakout candidate threw three scoreless innings. He didn’t allow a hit, struck out five, and walked just one. Matthews has now thrown 9 1/3 scoreless innings this spring.

“He probably had the sharpest outing that we’ve seen all spring. He looked fantastic. He threw some pitches I didn’t even know what they were. I think he threw a 94-mph cutter, which I didn’t even know he did.”

Rocco Baldelli on Zebby Matthews

Beyond just getting Matthews back on the mound, Minnesota received good news on Justin Topa. The reliever, projected as a middle-inning option, experienced shoulder soreness in his last appearance. He took some time to let it calm down and has returned to bullpen work. It appears the soreness isn’t something that should hold him back.

“It was more precautionary than anything. I was joking, fortunately or unfortunately, I know what elbow injuries feel like. I’ve never had any shoulder stuff. I was like, OK, maybe a ‘it’s not loose’ type situation. I threw a couple more, and it was still there. At that point, it was like, all right, I’m feeling it pretty much every pitch. Let’s get out of here and take a look at it. Thankfully, it was a pretty quick down time.”

Justin Topa to the Star Tribune

Last season, Topa began the year on the injured list due to a knee issue. He worked his way back to throw just 2 ⅓ innings, and was a complete non-factor for the Twins bullpen. The Minnesota Twins are hoping the guy that threw 69 innings with a 2.61 ERA for Seattle in 2023 returns this season.

If Topa can remain healthy he’ll be a key cog in the MN Twins bullpen. There isn’t much question regarding the leverage arms, but he can help bolster the middle relief group. Baldelli’s group is projected to be one of the best in baseball, and if that is going to happen, they will need to have their key contributors healthy.

Given both arms exited before they were expected to, the updates couldn’t be more positive. Topa is scheduled to return to game action on Friday.

Prospect injuries continue for Minnesota Twins

Earlier this spring the Minnesota Twins announced a couple of injuries for their top prospects. Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Jenkins are both behind schedule due to ankle issues. And this week it was revealed they aren’t alone when it comes to minor league talent remaining off the field.

Saturday the Twins will head up to Dunedin for a Spring Breakout game against the Toronto Blue Jays. 2024 first round pick Kaelen Culpepper was originally on the roster, but won’t play due a hamstring issue. The Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale reports that the injury isn’t expected to impact the start of his minor league season, though.

Related: Unfortunately for Brooks Lee, the Twins 2B Competition is Fixed

Culpepper played in 26 games during his pro debut season. He finished the year at High-A Cedar Rapids. Across 122 plate appearances the former Kansas State Wildcats shortstop slashed .242/.330/.394 with three home runs.

Joining Culpepper on the sidelines is prospect Payton Eeles. The former indy ball signee went from Low-A Fort Myers all the way to Triple-A St. Paul last season. He owned a .307/.435/.497 line across his first 111 pro ball games, and he looks like a legitimate big league depth piece.

Eeles has offseason knee surgery to address a cartilage issue and he will open the season on the injured list for St. Paul. If he can recover quickly and get back on the diamond, Eeles a player that should push for an opportunity on the 40-man roster.

]]> Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:53:46 +0000 Minnesota Twins News Minnesota Twins Minnesota Twins Top Prospects to Keep an Eye on in 2025 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/minnesota-twins-news/top-prospects-to-watch-2025/ Wed, 08 Jan 2025 18:29:41 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=58986 With the 2025 Major League Baseball regular season quickly approaching, it’s time to examine prospect lists. The Minnesota Twins farm system has risen the ranks over the past 12 months, and they have some of the best talent in baseball.

National lists will still take some time to come out, but one of the most intriguing collections each season comes from The Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman. He often deviates from the general consensus and that lends his top 40 to providing some interesting inclusions.

Here are five players that you should get to know ahead of 2025.

3. Luke Keaschall, 2B/CF, Highest Level – Double A

This is probably too high for inclusion as an intriguing prospect given Keaschall’s status, but he’s definitely a name you need to know. Recently Major League Baseball executives voted him as the most underrated prospect in the game.

He reached Double-A last season and played in the Futures Game despite dealing with a torn UCL. He has undergone surgery and will be back at full strength in 2025.

Keaschall’s first full professional season ended with a .303/.420/.483 slash line across 102 games. He hits for average, power, and has plenty of speed. He’ll get a taste of Triple-A soon this season, but the reason to keep an eye on him is the transition to first base.

Related: Exclusive: Twins Top Prospect Opens Up About Torn UCL That Eventually Ended His Season

Last year Keaschall played 13 games at first base. The Twins have a hole there and he could be a long term answer. If he starts out hot, and acclimates to the position, then Rocco Baldelli will have a new option to consider.

5. Andrew Morris, SP, Highest Level – Triple A

This is the first eyebrow raiser from Gleeman’s list. At fifth overall, Morris checks in as the second-best pitching prospect for Minnesota behind only Zebby Matthews. That puts him ahead of Charlee Soto, Marco Raya, and plenty of others.

Morris was a 4th round pick back in 2022. He hasn’t had the same fanfare as some of the other aforementioned pitchers, but it’s hard not to be excited about the track record.

Minnesota saw Morris dominate Single-A to the tune of a 2.88 ERA across 84 1/3 innings in 2023. Last season he posted a 2.37 ERA and made seven starts at Triple-A St. Paul. His strikeouts dipped to a 7.2 K/9 with the Saints, but he doesn’t walk anyone and doesn’t give up home runs.

Related: MLB Execs Love Minnesota Twins Top Prospects, Past and Present

Last season the Twins needed big innings from both David Festa and Matthews. This year it’s Morris that will be in that next man up category. The former Texas Tech Red Raider looks cut out for a real shot at the rotation.

15. Kyle DeBarge, SS/3B, Highest Level Low A

We are just 26 games into Kyle DeBarge’s professional career. He was a first round pick (33rd overall) in the latest draft, and there is plenty to like about his profile.

It wasn’t until his junior year at Louisiana-Lafayette, after a summer with wood bats on The Cape, that DeBarge really broke out. He blasted 21 homers before the draft and brings that approach to the professional ranks.

He started with Low-A Fort Myers in the Twins organization. In 26 games he owned a .235/.322/.343 slash line. There was just one home run, but he had a pair of doubles and three triples. At his best, DeBarge will hit for average and power at a premium position.

Related: Minnesota Twins Top Prospect Rankings (2025 ed.)

It’s possible that Minnesota moves DeBarge around defensively. An offseason of preparation for pro ball should do him well though. This is a prospect that could have a huge 2025.

21. Gabriel Gonzalez, OF, Highest Level High A

When the Twins traded Jorge Polanco last offseason, they did so looking to shed salary and move an oft-injured player. The big league return wound up being inconsequential with Anthony DeSclafani never appearing in a game and Justin Topa being hurt.

Gabriel Gonzalez is the saving grace there, and despite dropping from top-100 status, there is still so much to like. He was often injured in his first season with Minnesota, but still performed above league-average in the Midwest League where he was more than two years below the average age.

Minnesota wants to see better than the .255/.327/.379 slash line Gonzalez owned in 76 games for Cedar Rapids last season. He hit 18 home runs two years ago as a teenager in the Mariners system, and that production should come back with a clean bill of health.

Related: Minnesota Twins Sale May Be Nearing the Finish Line

Given what the prospect stock was when Gonzalez came to Minnesota, 2025 may wind up being a big bounceback year. He has the tools to be a power producer as a corner outfielder, and health being on his side may make all of the difference.

26. Payton Eeles, 2B/SS, Highest Level Triple A

Arguably the best Twins prospect you’ve never heard of is 25-year-old Payton Eeles. He gained some recognition when sticking up for former teammate Derek Bender last season. That isn’t why you should be familiar though.

Eeles went undrafted out of Coastal Carolina, and his 39 games for Chicago in the American Association during 2023 weren’t exactly notable. Then he found his way to the Minnesota Twins organization.

The Twins have seen some success stories from indy ball types in recent history (shoutout Randy Dobnak), but Eeeles could be the next one to be written. In 64 games at Triple-A, he owned a .299/.419/.500 slash line. The infielder had 11 doubles, four triples, and eight home runs. His K/BB was also near-neutral (38/33).

There isn’t an exact path to playing time with the Twins, and he isn’t on the 40-man roster. Still, Eeles could factor in as a utility player and that only gets more possible if Willi Castro is traded.

Related: Twins’ Byron Buxton Lands Way High on the List of Top MLB Center Fielders

Rounding out the group for Gleeman are a few other names of note. Christian MacLeod (29) could work his way into future pitching plans. Matt Canterino (32) is an Opening Day bullpen candidate if he’s healthy. Recently acquired Mickey Gasper (36) also makes the list. Carson McCusker (38) is a giant, and cut of that Eeles indy ball cloth as well.

]]> Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:29:44 +0000 Minnesota Twins News Minnesota Twins