Twins place Abel on IL with elbow inflammation
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Right-hander Mick Abel has been a bright spot in the Twins’ rotation of late. But it’s unclear when he will next step on the mound.
The team announced Monday that it has placed Abel on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation (retroactive to Friday). He had been scheduled to start Tuesday’s series opener against the Mets at Citi Field. Instead, Simeon Woods Richardson will be bumped up to start that game. The team’s Wednesday starter in New York is currently listed as TBD.
The Athletic reported Sunday that left-hander Connor Prielipp, the Twins' No. 5 prospect, will join the team in New York but only in a taxi squad capacity. Prielipp, 25, is off to a strong start this season and would be on five days’ rest if he were to start that game.
Abel, 24, struck out a career-high 10 batters over seven scoreless innings in his most recent start last Tuesday vs. the Red Sox. He has an active 13-inning scoreless streak and owns a 3.98 ERA overall with 23 strikeouts over 20 1/3 innings (four games, three starts) this season. He was the team’s best pitcher in Spring Training and earned a rotation spot over Zebby Matthews with his strong performance.
A first-round Draft pick in 2020, Abel was acquired from the Phillies last July as part of the Twins’ return in their trade of closer Jhoan Duran.
The Twins will announce a corresponding roster move prior to Tuesday's game. It will likely be one of several moves, as the club is expected to place reliever Kody Funderburk on the paternity list (with lefty Kendry Rojas taking his spot), and also likely activate Royce Lewis from the injured list.