The Minnesota Twins are facing pitching setbacks as Opening Day approaches. Closer Jhoan Duran will begin the season on the injured list due to an oblique issue sustained during a Spring Training batting practice session. Relief pitcher Caleb Thielbar is also sidelined with a sore hamstring, preventing him from pitching in any Spring Training games so far.
Of particular concern is starting pitcher Andrew DeSclafani, who is experiencing a right elbow problem and has been sidelined by team doctors. DeSclafani, acquired by the Twins in a trade with the Seattle Mariners, missed the final two months of the previous season due to an elbow issue and also spent time on the injured list due to shoulder fatigue. If DeSclafani requires Tommy John surgery, he will miss the entire upcoming season. In such a scenario, Louie Varland is expected to replace him in the starting rotation, which currently includes Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, and Chris Paddack.
Meanwhile, Byron Buxton was removed from Monday’s lineup due to a minor back issue, as stated by the team.
The Twins are set to kick off their season on March 28 against the Kansas City Royals, with their home opener scheduled for April 4 against the Cleveland Guardians.
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