MINNEAPOLIS -- The last time Mick Abel faced hitters, it was a lot cooler. Other than that, though, it kind of seemed like the right-hander never left when he pitched live batting practice on Thursday afternoon.
Abel, recuperating from right elbow inflammation, faced hitters for the first time since the injury prior to the Twins’ game against the Royals. He pitched two simulated innings, throwing about 37 pitches, and his fastball velocity got up into the mid-90s.
“Just being able to have hitters in the box again, it feels really, really good, and really nice,” Abel said. “The body feels great, too, so I can’t complain.”
Pitching on a warm, muggy afternoon, Abel definitely worked up a sweat. But he said his strength and fitness feel fine.
“I just have to get used to the heat,” he said. “My body feels great. I feel really strong right now. I feel like I’m ready to take the next step.”
As for what that next step will be, it’s still somewhat to be determined. Abel will be re-evaluated when he comes to the park Friday, after which the club will have a better read on what comes next. He could throw another live BP, though with the Twins going on the road early next week, it seems natural that he might progress directly to a Minor League rehabilitation assignment.
“[It] put a smile on my face,” said manager Derek Shelton. “If he walks in tomorrow and tells me that he’s healthy, then it’s even more of a smile. I think it was 37 pitches, the velo was up to 96 or 97, so that’s a good benchmark. How he responds tomorrow, then how he responds with whatever the next step is, is the most important. But watching him go out today and be able to execute was very important. Because I think what we saw him do early in the season shows how good a young starting pitcher -- or [just] starting pitcher -- he can be at this level.”
Lewis keeps moving around
A night after making his first start at second base since 2024, Royce Lewis appeared at an even more unfamiliar position. He started at first base for Triple-A St. Paul, the first time in his professional career that he’s played first at all.
Lewis continues to obliterate the baseball since he was optioned to the Minors, but it appears his old position will no longer be available whenever the club decides to recall him. Brooks Lee has been moved to third base, and there is no indication the Twins have any interest in moving Lee off of third.
So when the time comes for Lewis to return to the Major League roster, he’ll need to have versatility. The vast majority of his Major League experience has been at third base.
Twins tidbits
Cole Sands, coming back from a forearm strain, has been confirmed for a second rehabilitation appearance for Triple-A St. Paul on Friday. After that, it’s possible he’ll be activated, though he could make one more rehab appearance as well. … Lefty Kendry Rojas, recovering from left triceps inflammation, has begun a throwing program. The hope is that due to the short time he has missed, his ramp-up back to pitching in games could be brief. … St. Paul became the first team in professional baseball to hit 100 homers this season on Wednesday. … The Twins have signed veteran right-hander Austin Voth to a Minor League deal and assigned him to St. Paul. Voth, 33, was recently let go by the Blue Jays. He pitched in Japan in 2025 and made eight starts for Toronto’s Triple-A affiliate this year with a 2.90 ERA. The Twins are extremely short on starting pitching depth, and Voth went straight into the rotation for St. Paul, starting on Thursday.