RADIO
Mick Abel Strikes Out Five in First Rehab Start on Wednesday
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Mick Abel (elbow) put together a strong performance in his first rehab appearance with Triple-A St. Paul on Wednesday, striking out five across three scoreless innings (47 pitches). The 24-year-old has been on the 15-day injured list since mid-April due to inflammation in his right elbow. Across 20 1/3 innings (four appearances) before the injury, Abel recorded a 1-2 record with a 3.98 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, and 23 strikeouts. While Abel's overall line is not particularly impressive, his last start before the injury was a 10-strikeout, seven-scoreless-inning gem against the Boston Red Sox. The hard-throwing right-hander will likely need at least one more rehab start before he's ready to return to the Twins rotation, but he appears to be close to full health. Abel profiles as a solid waiver wire stash target for fantasy managers in need of strikeout upside ahead of his return.
Source: milb.com
Source: milb.com
Is Mick Abel a Top Stash Candidate as he Begins a Rehab Assignment?
Minnesota Twins right-hander Mick Abel (elbow) is starting a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Wednesday, according to MLB.com. The 24-year-old has been out since late April with right-elbow inflammation, but he will return to game action on the farm and should be back in Minnesota's starting rotation by the end of the month. He is scheduled to throw three innings or around 50 pitches in his first rehab start on Wednesday with the Saints, meaning he will likely need at least one or two more starts in the minors before being reinstated from the 15-day injured list. The former first-rounder in 2020 by the Philadelphia Phillies has only appeared in four games (three starts) for the Twins in 2026, posting a 3.98 ERA (2.76 FIP) and 1.57 WHIP with 23 strikeouts and 10 starts across 20 1/3 innings pitched. Because of his strikeout upside and guaranteed rotation spot with the Twins this year, Abel is worth a look as a stash candidate as he nears a return to the big leagues. Abel is currently rostered in only 13% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Mick Abel to Make a Rehab Start on Wednesday
Minnesota Twins right-hander Mick Abel (elbow) is scheduled to throw three innings or 50 pitches in a minor-league rehab start with Triple-A St. Paul on Wednesday, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. It will be Abel's first game action since he landed on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his right elbow back in late April. Because of how long the 24-year-old has been out, he will require multiple rehab starts before the Twins consider activating him and having him rejoin the starting rotation. The former first-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020 out of a high school in Oregon has only made four appearances (three starts) for Minnesota this year and has posted a 3.98 ERA (2.76 FIP), 1.57 WHIP, and 23:10 K:BB in 20 1/3 frames. Abel has generated above-average strikeout rates in the minors with high-end velocity, but control has been an issue. His return isn't imminent, but in deeper fantasy leagues, Abel could be worth stashing for his strikeout upside once he gets closer to coming off the IL. He's currently rostered in just 13% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Connor Prielipp Still Worth Rostering Despite Inconsistent Results?
Minnesota Twins rookie left-hander Connor Prielipp has been inconsistent in his first nine major-league starts for the Twins this year, going 2-4 with a 5.15 ERA (3.43 FIP) and 1.33 WHIP with 49 strikeouts and 18 walks in 43 2/3 innings pitched. The 25-year-old former second-round pick in 2022 out of the University of Alabama didn't allow more than two earned runs in any of his first five MLB starts, but he has hit a rough patch of late, giving up 18 runs (17 earned) on 25 hits while walking nine and striking out 20 in 18 2/3 innings over his last four starts. The silver lining is that Prielipp only gave up two earned runs in his fourth loss on Sunday against the division-rival Kansas City Royals in 4 1/3 innings, and he does have seven strikeouts in each of his last two starts. Because of his swing-and-miss stuff alone -- he has a 25.7% strikeout rate and a walk rate under 10% -- Prielipp is worth a look in deeper fantasy leagues. He's currently rostered in just 8% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Zebby Matthews Emerging as Top Waiver-Wire Option Among Starting Pitchers
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Zebby Matthews bounced back Friday against the Kansas City Royals, allowing two runs on five hits and four walks across seven innings in a 5-3 win. The outing helped settle things after a rough start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 31, when he allowed a season-high seven earned runs over 4 1/3 innings. Through five starts, Matthews owns a 4.15 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 26 strikeouts across 30 1/3 innings. Matthews has allowed three earned runs or fewer in four of his five outings and has worked at least six innings four times. The five home runs allowed keep some risk in the profile, but the workload, and 26:8 K:BB give him enough waiver appeal for fantasy managers needing rotation help. Rostered in 31% of Yahoo leagues, Matthews is worth adding in standard leagues as a solid depth starter who should deliver an elite WHIP.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mick Abel Looks Good in Live BP Session, Touches 97 MPH
Minnesota Twins right-hander Mick Abel (elbow) threw a two-inning live batting practice session at Target Field on Thursday and touched 97 mph on the radar gun during a 37-pitch effort, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Abel has been out since landing on the 15-day injured list on April 20 with right-elbow inflammation. He hasn't pitched in a big-league game since April 14, and there isn't a current timetable for when he might rejoin the Twins' starting rotation. Abel could throw another live BP session next week or pitch in a minor-league game. "Free and easy," Abel said. "Just being able to have hitters in the box again, it feels really, really good, and really nice. The body feels great, too, so I can't complain." The 24-year-old would have been back already if not for feeling soreness in his right triceps over a month ago during a bullpen session on May 2, which resulted in him needing a cortisone shot. Before landing on the IL, Abel struck out 16 batters in 13 scoreless innings in his two most recent outings. As he nears a return to the big leagues, Abel will be a starting pitcher worth targeting off the waiver wire in deeper leagues. He's rostered in only 12% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Mick Abel to Throw Live BP, Rehab Assignment Could Follow
Minnesota Twins right-hander Mick Abel (elbow, triceps) is expected to throw live batting practice on Thursday, June 4, and could progress to a minor-league rehab assignment not long after that, according to MLB.com. Abel is a stash candidate off the waiver wire for fantasy managers in need of pitching depth. He has been on the 15-day injured list since April 20 due to right-elbow inflammation and then needed a cortisone injection for triceps soreness in early May, but he will have a spot in the Twins' starting rotation when he returns, and he was pitching well before his injury. MLB.com projects Abel to return from the IL in mid-to-late June, barring a setback on his rehab assignment. The 24-year-old former 15th overall pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020 out of high school in Oregon has gone 1-2 this year with Minnesota and has posted a 3.98 ERA (2.75 FIP), 1.57 WHIP, and 23:10 K:BB in 20 1/3 innings across his four outings (three starts). Abel is rostered in just 12% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available off the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Bailey Ober Avoids UCL Damage, Diagnosed with Mild Flexor Strain
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober (elbow) has been diagnosed with a mild flexor strain and will be shut down for 10-14 days. On the bright side, his "UCL is intact," per Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Ober was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sunday due to elbow inflammation, but appears to have avoided the worst-case scenario. Still, it will be at least mid-June before he resumes throwing, making a return to the Twins rotation this month unlikely. Before getting injured, Ober posted a 6-3 record with a 4.59 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 46 strikeouts across 66 2/3 innings (12 starts). The 30-year-old's average fastball velocity had dipped to a career-worst 89.1 miles per hour, which may have been a symptom of his elbow discomfort. Twins right-hander Mike Paredes was recalled to take Ober's place on the active roster and could be in line to take his place in the Minnesota rotation as well.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Connor Prielipp's Rough Stretch Continues, Fantasy Value Fading
Minnesota Twins left-hander Connor Prielipp has hit a rough patch, allowing 11 earned runs across his last two starts while recording just 8 1/3 innings. The struggles come shortly after Prielipp logged the first quality start of his rookie season on May 16. His ERA has climbed to 5.13, and he owns a 1.35 WHIP through his first year in the majors. The former second-round pick and No. 5 prospect in the Twins organization has shown flashes of upside, but limiting hard contact has become a growing concern. Prielipp's 6.8 barrel-per-plate appearance rate and 10.8 percent barrel rate both sit above league average. He may continue to receive opportunities, but fantasy managers should explore other options until he shows signs of regaining consistency.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Bailey Ober Placed on 15-Day Injured List Due to Elbow Inflammation
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober (elbow) has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation. It's a tough break for Ober, who gave up seven earned runs across 4 2/3 innings of work in his start on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Across 66 2/3 innings (12 starts) overall this season, Ober has recorded a 6-3 record with a 4.59 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 46 strikeouts. While the 30-year-old owns a strong 6.4% walk rate, his average fastball velocity is down to 89.3 miles per hour, and he's struck out just 16.4% of the batters he's faced in 2026. The long ball continues to be a major issue for Ober, as he owns a 1.62 HR/9 after allowing a 1.85 HR/9 in 2025. The Twins recalled right-handed pitching prospect Mike Paredes on Sunday to take Ober's place on the active roster and possibly, his place in the starting rotation.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Zebby Matthews Off to a Much Better Start in 2026, a Top Pitcher to Add?
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Zebby Matthews has impressed through three big-league starts this year, and he has emerged as an intriguing pitcher to add in fantasy baseball leagues. Matthews was called up to the majors on May 14, and although he posted a 5.50+ ERA in each of his first two seasons, he's off to a much better start in 2026. Through three starts this year, he owns a 2.37 ERA and 3.59 xFIP with 8.05 K/9, 0.95 BB/9, and 1.42 HR/9. While we'd like to see a couple more strikeouts and fewer home runs, we're in awe over the walk rate. Limiting walks has always been one of Matthews' strengths, but he has taken his control to a new level this year. As long as he continues to pitch at a high level, he'll remain a key bullpen piece for the Twins while offering tremendous upside in fantasy baseball. There's still time for managers to reap the rewards of Matthews' promising start, as he remains available to be added in 71% of leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Taj Bradley's Next Start Pushed to Friday Against Bucs
Minnesota Twins right-hander Taj Bradley's next start has been pushed back to the series opener on Friday in Pittsburgh against the Pirates, according to Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Kendry Rojas will re-enter the Twins' starting rotation to pitch on Thursday in the series finale against the Chicago White Sox. The move doesn't change all that much for Bradley, who has been really strong for fantasy managers in 2026, going 5-1 with a 2.77 ERA (3.26 FIP) and 1.17 WHIP with 59 strikeouts and 19 walks in 52 innings across his nine starts. In his return from the injured list last week after missing time with a pectoral injury, Bradley allowed an earned run with two walks and seven strikeouts in five innings against the Boston Red Sox for his fifth win of the year. The Pirates are no cake walk of a matchup, but Bradley has earned the trust of fantasy managers at this point and should be in most starting lineups to kick off the weekend at PNC Park. He has had at least seven K's in each of his last three outings, and the Pirates rank second in baseball in strikeouts (520).
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune - Bobby Nightengale
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune - Bobby Nightengale
Should Fantasy Managers be Looking to Stash Mick Abel?
Minnesota Twins right-hander Mick Abel (elbow, triceps) was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 20 with right-elbow inflammation, and he had a setback in early May, when he complained of soreness in his right triceps after throwing a bullpen session. The 24-year-old is being built back up slowly, but the good news is he has been feeling better since receiving a cortisone injection in his triceps muscle. Since Abel has yet to face hitters, he probably won't be able to rejoin Minnesota's starting rotation until at least mid-June or later. Still, fantasy managers in deeper leagues in need of starting pitching depth should consider stashing the former first-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies back in 2020. In his first four appearances (three starts) for the Twins in 2026, Abel posted a 3.98 ERA (2.73 FIP) and 1.57 WHIP with 23 strikeouts and 10 walks across 20 1/3 innings pitched. Abel has above-average velocity and plenty of strikeout upside, but control remains an issue. If he can throw more strikes, Abel could be a breakout candidate in 2026 once he gets healthy. He's rostered in only 13% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Connor Prielipp Remains a High-Upside Streamer to Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 29 innings (six starts) since making his MLB debut on April 22, Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Connor Prielipp has recorded a 1-2 record with a 4.03 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 30 strikeouts. The 25-year-old is coming off a rough showing in his most recent outing, allowing five earned runs across four innings of work against the Boston Red Sox. However, Prielipp logged 14 strikeouts and allowed just two earned runs across his two starts before the blowup against Boston. Prielipp showcased strikeout upside throughout his time in the minors, posting a 27% strikeouts rate across two levels in 2025 and striking out nearly 35% of the batters he faced in Triple-A before getting promoted this season. Prielipp's next two starts are currently slated to come against the Chicago White Sox, making him an appealing streaming option for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zebby Matthews Dominant in Return to Majors, Back on the Fantasy Radar?
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Zebby Matthews has been highly effective in two starts since being recalled from Triple-A. Through two games (13.0 innings) in the majors this year, Matthews has a 1.38 ERA with one walk and 11 strikeouts. The 26-year-old profiles as a starter who is highly dependent on their breaking ball, and while Matthews' curveball and slider metrics are terrific, we're also impressed that he has kept his fastball velocity around 96 mph. Although Matthews isn't the flashiest name, his modest strikeout total, low walk total, and ability to pitch deep into games should generate some fantasy appeal, especially as managers look to upgrade and perfect their rosters here in late May. He's a waiver wire option for the vast majority of fantasy managers, as he's currently rostered in less than 20% of fantasy baseball leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
