Twins activate – Minnesota recalled right-hander Taj Bradley from the 15-day injured list and plans to start him Saturday at Boston. In a corresponding roster move, the Twins designated 39-year-old reliever Luis Garcia for release or assignment.
The Twins knew they needed a jolt before the weekend in Boston, and by the time they walked into the day’s roster work, it came down to Taj Bradley.
Minnesota is activating the right-handed pitcher off the 15-day injured list and intends to start him in Saturday’s game in Boston. according to the team’s official X account. The move comes with an immediate roster consequence: the Twins designated veteran reliever Luis Garcia for release or assignment.
The timing matters because Minnesota enters the series with momentum. After Friday’s 8-6 comeback victory over the Boston Red Sox. the Twins sit at 24-27 and are only two games out of a Wild Card slot. While the American League Central throne may not be as reachable as once seemed. October baseball is still a live dream—and the club’s decision suggests they want to chase it now. not later.
Bradley’s season began with the kind of start that makes teams believe they can afford to dream. Through his first eight starts of the campaign. the 2018 fifth-round draft pick posted a 2.87 ERA with 52 strikeouts. a 1.191 WHIP and a .658 OPS against across 47 innings. Then the right pectoralis muscle inflammation arrived, sending him to the injured list on May 9.
Getting him back to game shape wasn’t exactly smooth. In his rehab outing for the Triple-A St. Paul Saints on May 17, Bradley allowed one run on two hits with three strikeouts and two walks in just 1 2/3 innings. Even so. Minnesota’s roster move signals confidence that the numbers and the live workload are good enough to return him to the mound.
Garcia’s departure underscores how tight the margin is at the major-league level. The 39-year-old appeared for Minnesota and posted a 10.38 ERA in 8 2/3 innings pitched for the club, and the Twins are moving on by designating him for release or assignment in connection with Bradley’s reinstatement.
For a rotation that’s been too top-heavy, Bradley’s return is about more than just filling a spot. Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober have been dependable. but they need help—and Bradley is the team’s attempt to add another reliable voice in the mix. Bradley is 25 years old. and the Twins clearly believe he can build on what looked promising. starting with the trip to Fenway Park.
First pitch for Twins-Red Sox is set for 4:10 p.m. ET.
Minnesota Twins Taj Bradley Luis Garcia injured list 15-day IL Red Sox Fenway Park Wild Card AL Central St. Paul Saints Joe Ryan Bailey Ober
So they’re starting Bradley in Boston?? Hope he doesn’t blow up like right after coming back.
I saw something about them jettisoning Luis Garcia and I was like wow that’s a lot. Also 24-27?? That’s wild to think they’re “two games out” like it’s still doable.
Wait, Bradley got 2.87 ERA in like his first starts and then he hurt the pectoralis? Isn’t that the chest muscle thing? I swear baseball injuries always sound fake lol. If they rush him, then Garcia gets tossed… but maybe Garcia deserved it for sure.
Garcia is 39 right? I didn’t even realize he was still playing. Sounds like Twins are panicking bc they want wild card October like ASAP. Also I saw “Fenway first pitch 4:10” and got distracted, so idk if Bradley is actually starting or just “activated” and then we’ll see, ya know.