MINNEAPOLIS – Twins manager Derek Shelton laid out his expected rotation for the remaining days before the All-Star break on Wednesday, and there’s one big addition. Right-hander Bailey Ober is expected to start Thursday’s series finale against Cleveland, making his return after almost six weeks on the injured list.
Ober was placed on the IL following his May 30 start in Pittsburgh with what the team called right elbow inflammation. He has made two Minor League rehabilitation starts, most recently on Saturday for Triple-A St. Paul. The veteran is 6-3 with a 4.59 ERA on the year, a mark that climbed significantly in that start against the Pirates. He had pitched very well for most of the season’s first two months.
Prior to Tuesday’s game against the Guardians, Ober threw a bullpen session. He reported no problems upon coming to the park a day later, clearing him to return to active duty.
“Bailey came in good,” Shelton said. “He’s good. I would say there’s a strong expectation that Bailey will start tomorrow.”
He’ll take the roster spot of rookie right-handed reliever Marco Raya, who was placed on the injured list Wednesday with a right shoulder impingement. Raya has pitched six innings over three appearances with a 3.00 ERA.
Righty Zebby Matthews, who suffered a right foot laceration in his last start, will take the ball Friday at home against the Angels. He’ll be followed by All-Star Joe Ryan, and surging Taj Bradley will start the team’s final game before the break on Sunday.
“Overall it’s going to be nice to get back to closer to being healthy,” Shelton said. “We’re getting there. [Ryan] Jeffers and [Cole] Sands both played last night in a Minor League rehab game. So we’re getting closer to being full strength.”