Connor Prielipp could be close to rejoining the Twins' rotation after dazzling over three hitless innings in a rehab start for Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday.
The Twins placed the rookie southpaw on the 15-day injured list with a blister on his left middle finger on July 9, one day after he threw five innings against the Guardians in his final scheduled start before the All-Star break.
How did he perform?
Prielipp needed only 32 pitches to get through three scoreless innings of no-hit ball against Louisville, walking one and striking out three.
What's next?
Prielipp, who made his MLB debut on April 22 and has recorded a 5.00 ERA with 71 strikeouts over 66 2/3 innings this season, is first eligible to return from the IL on Friday. The Twins were expected to evaluate how his finger responded to Sunday's start before determining the next steps.
What else?
Bailey Ober, Taj Bradley and Zebby Matthews started Minnesota's first three games after the All-Star break against the Cubs at Wrigley Field this weekend, and Joe Ryan is scheduled to get the ball Monday against the Guardians at Progressive Field. With Prielipp not yet eligible for activation, the Twins will need a spot starter for Tuesday's game.