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Byron Buxton Remains Out With Hip Injury on Wednesday
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) is not in the team's starting lineup for Wednesday's contest against the division-rival Kansas City Royals, per MLB.com. Buxton will unsurprisingly sit out after leaving Tuesday's contest early with soreness in his right hip, an injury that recently landed the veteran center fielder on the injured list. It's uncertain if this new injury is serious enough to send Buxton back to the IL, so fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. His next chance to return will be for Thursday's series finale against KC at Target Field. Luke Keaschall is starting in center field and will bat eighth on Wednesday against Royals right-hander Randy Dobnak. The 32-year-old Buxton had managed to stay mostly healthy in 2026 up until recently. The three-time All-Star has hit .263/.320/.544 with an .864 OPS, 25 home runs, 45 RBI, 57 runs, and seven steals in 82 games and 362 plate appearances after a resurgent 2025 campaign that saw him hit a career-high 35 long balls in 126 games. Buxton has played in just nine games in July and has hit .207 (6-for-29), and he might finally be wearing down.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Taj Bradley has Second Straight Dominant Start on Tuesday
Minnesota Twins right-hander Taj Bradley had a dominant showing in a no-decision in a 3-2 win over the division-rival Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night, allowing two earned runs on three hits while walking three and striking out 10 in six innings of work. The 25-year-old former fifth-round pick by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018 is now 9-4 on the season with a career-best 3.65 ERA (3.91 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP with 139 strikeouts and 49 walks in 120 2/3 innings pitched across his 21 starts in his first full season with the Twins. Bradley allowed five earned runs in five innings in a loss to the Chicago Cubs on July 18 in his first start in the second half of the season, but in his two starts since, he's allowed only three earned runs with six walks and 15 strikeouts in 13 innings against the Royals and Cleveland Guardians. In the midst of his career year, Bradley is now rostered in 80% of Yahoo leagues. It's been nice to see his strikeout rate improve to 27.6%, which is his highest mark since his rookie campaign in Tampa when he threw just 104 2/3 innings.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Walker Jenkins Climbing Stash Rankings Amid Stellar July Play
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Walker Jenkins has emerged as a near must-stash prospect ahead of the start of August. While the top prospect in the Minnesota Pipeline has often battled injuries, when on the field he has been very productive. Since returning from the Triple-A IL in late June, Jenkins has been swinging a hot bat and has put himself in prime position for a promotion. Over his last 15 contests at the top club, the former first-round selection has carried a strong .276/.364/.431 slash line with a .795 OPS, six doubles and one home run. During his first 25 games of the campaign (before the injury), Jenkins carried a much lower .389 SLG with only two total home runs. If Jenkins can maintain this pace, he should be primed for a late-season call-up to Minnesota.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Yoendrys Gomez Emerging as Must-Add Saves Option
Twins right-hander Yoendrys Gomez has been dominant in the second half after overcoming a shaky start to the season. Gomez has posted a 1.91 ERA over his last 30 appearances and an even better 1.42 ERA across his last seven outings. The 25-year-old has thrived in high-leverage situations, converting all 13 of his save opportunities while adding six holds. Since joining the Twins, Gomez owns a stellar 1.78 ERA and has quickly become one of the club's most reliable relievers. His recent performance has solidified his late-inning role, and his confidence continues to grow with every outing. Fantasy managers should not hesitate to add Gomez, as he has developed into a dependable source of saves and ratio help.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Josh Bell Remains on Waiver-Wire Radar Despite July Slowdown
Twins designated hitter Josh Bell has cooled off in July after a red-hot June in which he hit .295 with a .547 slugging percentage. Bell is now slashing .246/.305/.414 with a .719 OPS and 13 home runs through 104 games in his first season with the Twins. His 22.3 K% is his highest in the past six seasons, limiting his overall offensive production. Even so, Bell has continued to make authoritative contact, as his 9.7 Barrel% ranks well above league average and supports his power potential. The 33-year-old has shown he can heat up quickly when his swing is locked in. Fantasy managers looking for home run upside should consider adding Bell before another productive stretch.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Byron Buxton Exits Early on Tuesday Due to Hip Soreness
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) exited early from his team's game against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday due to right-hip soreness, according to Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Buxton was hitless in two at-bats before being removed from the contest. Injuries have been a persistent problem in Buxton's career, as he's reached 400 plate appearances just twice in 11 MLB seasons (not including 2026). While he's largely been able to stay on the field so far this year, Buxton has already logged one stint on the injured list due to hip issues and now could be ticketed for a second. The 32-year-old remains a highly productive player when healthy, as he's hit .263/.320/.544 with 25 home runs, 45 RBI, 57 runs scored, and seven stolen bases across 362 plate appearances in 2026. If Buxton misses time, Twins outfielders Austin Martin and Alan Roden could both be in line for an increase in playing time.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
Kody Clemens' Power Belongs on 12-Team Rosters
Minnesota Twins infielder/outfielder Kody Clemens is batting .243/.299/.488 with 18 home runs, 49 RBI, and seven stolen bases across 338 at-bats. He needs one more homer to match the career-high 19 he set last season, and the underlying contact supports the power. Clemens owns a 92.7 mph average exit velocity, 47.1% hard-hit rate, and 12.2% barrel rate, so this is more than a brief hot streak. A .250 expected average suggests his current mark is reasonable, although a 23.0% strikeout rate can still lead to uneven stretches. Clemens has appeared at first base, second base, and all three outfield positions, with Yahoo eligibility at 1B/2B/OF. Yahoo managers have passed on him in 61% of leagues, while RotoBaller ranks him 59th in its Week 18 waiver rankings with an add recommendation for 12-team formats. Managers seeking power and lineup flexibility should roster him at that depth.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Luke Keaschall's Speed Makes him a Strong 12-Team Waiver Pickup
Minnesota Twins infielder/outfielder Luke Keaschall is batting .258/.353/.342 with four home runs, 30 RBI, 51 runs, and 13 stolen bases through 388 plate appearances. His 15.5% strikeout rate and 10.3% walk rate help him reach base often enough to contribute in runs and steals, while regular work at second base and both outfield spots keeps his bat in the lineup. Power remains the obvious weakness. Keaschall has produced an 84.6 mph average exit velocity, 28.3% hard-hit rate, and 2.9% barrel rate, and his .231 expected average adds some risk to the current batting average. Still, speed and 2B/OF eligibility give him a useful fantasy floor. Keaschall is rostered in 57% of Yahoo leagues and ranks 42nd in RotoBaller's Week 18 waiver rankings, with an add recommendation for 12-team formats. Managers seeking runs and steals should consider him a strong addition.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kaelen Culpepper Back in Lineup For Triple-A St. Paul
Minnesota Twins shortstop prospect Kaelen Culpepper has recovered from hand and glute injuries and returned to the lineup with Triple-A St. Paul over the past three games. He has two hits over his three games back after missing nearly a month with injuries. The No. 2 prospect for the Twins, Culpepper will likely need some time to work his way back to peak form and thus might be a long shot to make it to the big league club this season. He has a 55-grade hit tool and a 50-grade run tool and boasts a well-rounded game. The Twins might wait to see that he is back to full health before giving him his big league debut this season. Unfortunately, the injuries set him back a bit, but he should still be on the talented prospect radar for fantasy managers. However, it's looking more like 2027 could be his debut year.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Joe Ryan Slated to Start on Wednesday After Dealing With Arm Fatigue
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan (arm) has had his next start rescheduled to Wednesday against the Kansas City Royals, per Twins beat writer Aaron Gleeman. Ryan was originally scheduled to pitch on Sunday against the Athletics, but he was scratched due to "general arm fatigue." While Ryan's arm troubles remain a concern until he has proven he is fully healthy, it appears as though whatever he is dealing with will not require a stint on the injured list. Across 114 1/3 innings (21 starts) this season, the 30-year-old has recorded a 6-6 record with a 3.38 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 131 strikeouts. Ryan is widely considered to be a potential trade chip at the upcoming deadline, so it behooves Minnesota to make him appear as healthy as possible to interested suitors.
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Joe Ryan Scratched on Sunday With Arm Fatigue
Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (arm) was scratched from his scheduled start on Sunday on extra rest against the Athletics due to right-arm fatigue, according to Twins reporter Audra Martin. Manager Derek Shelton said the Twins expect Ryan to pitch at some point against the division-rival Kansas City Royals next week in a series that starts on Tuesday, July 28. Minnesota elected to give the 30-year-old two-time All-Star some extra rest after his last start, in which he allowed eight runs on 10 hits (a career-high six home runs) with three strikeouts in only four innings against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday, but Ryan still isn't ready this weekend. Ryan is still having a fine 2026 season with a 6-6 record, 3.38 ERA (3.42 FIP) and 1.10 WHIP with 131 strikeouts and 25 walks in 114 1/3 innings across 21 starts, but he'll be more of a risk in starting fantasy lineups when/if he takes the hill against KC next week. He's struggled in his two starts against the Royals this year, too, posting a 5.40 ERA with two walks and eight K's in 10 innings pitched.
Source: Audra Martin
Source: Audra Martin
Kaelen Culpepper Returns Off Injured List, Offers Sneaky Stash Value
Minnesota Twins shortstop prospect Kaelen Culpepper (hip) was activated off the minor-league Injured List on Friday. Culpepper is finally back in the mix after missing most of the last six weeks due to glute and hip issues. When healthy, Culpepper has been putting together solid numbers in Triple-A St. Paul. Through 63 games, Culpepper is slashing .272/.376/.492 with 14 home runs, 43 RBI, and 15 steals. The 23-year-old is currently ranked second on the Twins' top prospect list behind Walker Jenkins. Given his success this season, Culpepper could be a post-trade-deadline call-up for the Twins. He could be someone worth stashing in deep leagues ahead of the August trade deadline.
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Walker Jenkins Working His Way Back From Injury
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Walker Jenkins has returned to the lineup for Triple-A St. Paul and has now been back for about a month. Activated on June 23, Jenkins has a month full of production under his name with modest results. The Twins top overall prospect has two homers and six RBI to his name during the end of June and most of July. Jenkins, a left-handed hitting former first round pick is uber-talented but is finding his swing after suffering a Grade 2 AC joint sprain in hi left shoulder. As he works his way back, now might be a good time to add Jenkins in dynasty leagues especially but also in shallow redraft leagues. In 168 at bats for St. Paul this year, Jenkins has recorded four homers and 15 RBI while hitting .274. He still has the tools to be successful in a call up to Minnesota and the Twins still could act on the 21-year-old sometime during the second half. Right now getting back to full health is the main priority for Jenkins.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Eduardo Tait Extends Power Surge on Thursday Evening
Minnesota Twins catching prospect Eduardo Tait extended his power barrage on Thursday evening. Facing Dayton, the No. 39-ranked prospect in the sport (per MLB.com), went 1-for-3 with a long ball. This marked Tait's third home run over his last five games with High-A Cedar Rapids. Tait has spent the 2026 campaign with High-A and has endured some groin pains. On the season, he has held a .221 AVG but has shown high power upside, launching 18 long balls with a .727 OPS. During the 2025 campaign, the young backstop spent most of his time with Low-A before earning a short taste of High-A ball later in the second half. If Tait can extend this power surge into August, the young catcher could receive a short look at Double-A late in the season.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Bailey Ober Could be Second-Half Breakout Candidate
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober has turned the page since making his return to the mound in July. Over his last two starts, Ober has allowed eight hits, three earned runs, and struck out 12 batters across 10.1 innings of work. He's scheduled to take the mound against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday. The right-hander doesn't offer overpowering velocity, which means his strikeout numbers will probably remain low. He has looked better lately, but he remains a deep league play at the moment. Fantasy managers should wait to see how he does against the Guardians before jumping to the waiver wire.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
