Twins Pitcher Bailey Ober Returns From Injury, Boost for Iowa-Backed Roster
By John Damon | Just The News Iowa
The Minnesota Twins got a major boost Thursday as starting pitcher Bailey Ober returned from the injured list after more than a month sidelined with elbow inflammation. Ober's comeback is part of a wave of returns that includes catcher Ryan Jeffers, who just finished a rehab stint with the Triple-A Saints in Des Moines, Iowa.
Ober threw five innings against the Cleveland Guardians, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out five. The only blemish was a solo home run by Gabriel Arias in the second inning. Ober threw 74 pitches and said his sweeper and fastball felt sharp.
“It felt good,” Ober said. “One pitch kind of backed up on me that Arias got a good swing on. But overall, I was able to mix and keep them off balance.”
Why This Matters for Iowa Baseball Fans
For Iowa fans who follow the Saints — the Twins' Triple-A affiliate based in Des Moines — this roster movement has direct local ties. Jeffers spent several days in Iowa on a rehab assignment, playing five games for the Saints and hitting .375 with two home runs before returning to the Twins clubhouse Thursday.
Jeffers has been out since May 19 after fracturing a hamate bone in his left hand, which required surgery. His return is expected any day now, and he said the time in Iowa was critical.
“I felt pretty good this weekend but wanted to go down to Iowa and get some more games,” Jeffers said. “Get a larger sample size. But physically felt good. I felt like I was tracking the ball well, getting back in the groove of things.”
Twins Stay Competitive Despite Injuries
Even without key players like Ober, Jeffers, Cole Sands, and Byron Buxton for stretches, the Twins have remained in the thick of the playoff race. They sit two games behind the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central and are in the middle of the Wild Card hunt.
“We’ve been solid all year. It doesn’t matter who’s out there,” Ober said. “We’re excited to have those guys back, but it’s a team effort and we’re going out one through nine, and our staff and bullpen, and competing and giving ourselves a chance to win almost every single game.”
Injury Updates: Prielipp to IL, Rojas Called Up
The Twins also placed pitcher Connor Prielipp on the injured list with a blister issue on his throwing hand. The blister popped during his start Wednesday and was bleeding mid-game. The team called up Kendry Rojas to fill the roster spot.
Manager Derek Shelton said the team is taking a cautious approach. “We’ve given it nine days, but he’s throwing during that time,” Shelton said. “And we’ve given him 10 days and he’s throwing, so we’re going to have to give him some time where there’s just some no throw just to take the friction away from it.”
Prielipp’s innings are being managed closely, so the IL stint may not push back his next start significantly after the All-Star break, provided the blister heals.
What’s Next for the Twins
Right-hander Zebby Matthews (4-5, 4.43 ERA) is scheduled to start Friday against the Los Angeles Angels. Matthews left his last start early due to a cut on his foot, but is expected to be ready.
With Ober back and Jeffers close, the Twins are positioning themselves for a strong second half. For Iowa fans, the Saints connection means more local players and prospects will continue to cycle through Des Moines as the season progresses.