Culpepper returns as Hoffman hits IL with forearm inflammation

The Twins activated shortstop Kaelen Culpepper off the injured list Saturday, but they will be without key reliever Jeff Hoffman for the final two games of their season this weekend.

Minnesota placed Hoffman on the 15-day IL with right forearm inflammation. The Twins acquired the right-hander from the Blue Jays ahead of this year’s Aug. 3 Trade Deadline, and he has recorded 27 strikeouts and a 2.50 ERA across 18 innings with the club.

Hoffman last pitched on Tuesday, when he earned his first save with the Twins in a 3-2 victory over the Giants. The 2024 All-Star allowed one run on two walks and a hit-by-pitch in his one inning of work. Prior to that appearance, Hoffman had not allowed a run in his previous 11 outings, spanning 9 1/3 innings.

Culpepper, Minnesota’s No. 3 prospect and the No. 31 prospect in MLB, made his big league debut on Aug. 7 and has batted .275 with three home runs and a .737 OPS through 31 games.