MINNEAPOLIS -- Things didn't look good for an already-depleted Twins roster when a tearful Luis Arraez was removed from Saturday's game on a motorized cart, as the rookie sensation joined Max Kepler, Marwin Gonzalez and Ehire Adrianza on the shelf in the final days of the regular season.

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But the Twins got good news on Sunday when MRIs revealed only a Grade 1 sprain -- the least severe variety -- of Arraez's right ankle, and the 22-year-old appears to be making progress in his recovery. Even when only considering the impending returns of both Kepler and Gonzalez, Minnesota could be in better injury shape than it has seen in quite some time when the Twins take the field at Yankee Stadium for Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Friday.

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"I know we’ve had some injuries, but this team of players that has been playing has been winning ballgames," Kepler said. "We finished maybe 8-2, right? So, I mean, they’ve been doing fine. I know it’s not the high-caliber teams, but you’re still winning Major League ballgames."

Here's the latest on the four significant injury situations that could impact the Twins' ALDS roster:

Luis Arraez
Injury: Right ankle sprain
When did it occur? Saturday

The latest: Arraez was not made available to the media on Tuesday, but manager Rocco Baldelli had positive news to report about the progress of the rookie second baseman, who is now walking around and doing work in the pool. Arraez had been unable to put weight on the ankle on the day of the injury, but he appears to be responding well -- even slightly better than expected -- to the course of therapy to manage the range of motion and pain in the area.

“He’s doing really well. I have no public thought right now on any of that right now, but he’s already doing significantly better than he was," Baldelli said. "He's undergone a lot of treatment. We're putting him through the ringer right now to give ourselves every opportunity to get him back. I would say he’s doing well, and probably leave it at that right now."

The roster implications: If Arraez is healthy enough to return to the field by Friday, he would be the Twins' first choice to play at second base as much as he is able. If the Yankees opt to start left-hander James Paxton in Game 1 on Friday, the Twins could even buy Arraez one extra day of rest by starting Jonathan Schoop at second to open the series. Otherwise, Arraez's absence could open the door for an increased role for Willians Astudillo as a backup infielder.

Max Kepler
Injury: Left rhomboid strain
When did it occur? Sept. 14

The latest: Kepler confidently said on Tuesday that, from a health standpoint, he will be ready to go in time for Game 1 on Friday night. He hit off a machine on Tuesday, stood in on bullpens, did some running, planned to participate in throwing drills, lifted weights and did temperature contrast work as part of his ramp up. Kepler anticipates a busy few days leading into the ALDS to get himself back to game speed. He has not hit in a game since the Twins' Sept. 14 doubleheader in Cleveland.

"Hopefully, the weather can cooperate and we can get outside at least one of the next two days, because I think it could be important not just for him physically, but also for his confidence to get out there, because it's been a little while since he's been a go," Baldelli said. "I'm still optimistic. I think he's going to be feeling good and even better as the week goes on."

The roster implications: All signs are pointing to Kepler being ready for the ALDS. If, for whatever reason, he hits a setback, LaMonte Wade Jr. could be the next outfielder onto the playoff roster.

Marwin Gonzalez
Injury: Right oblique tightness
When did it occur? Sept. 24

The latest: Gonzalez also feels confident about his ability to play on Friday. He did some work in the batting cage on Tuesday and plans to hit off the machine and do a lot more swinging in the coming days. Gonzalez was originally supposed to take live batting practice on Tuesday, but he could not due to rain in the Twin Cities.

The roster implications: Gonzalez also appears healthy enough for the postseason roster. In the unlikely event of a setback, Astudillo would likely step into a more prominent role, and a roster spot could open up for another outfielder like Wade.

Ehire Adrianza
Injury: Right oblique strain
When did it occur? Sept. 12

The latest: Baldelli had said as recently as Sunday that Adrianza's recovery could be tracking behind those of Kepler and Gonzalez, but the 30-year-old Adrianza said on Tuesday that he, like Gonzalez, had originally planned to take live batting practice but could not due to rain. Adrianza was clearly in a very good mood as he relayed to reporters that he felt completely healthy, adding that he hit curveballs and fastballs off a machine.

"I think I'm back to normal now," Adrianza said. "So whatever decision they take, I'm going to be happy. I think I've had a pretty good season. I'm just waiting to see what's going to happen. But I feel good. I feel 100 percent now."

The roster implications: It would be significant for the Twins if they could keep one of Adrianza or Arraez on the ALDS roster, and a tremendous boost for the club if they could have both active in New York. In the absence of one, Astudillo could assume a roster spot. If both were to miss the ALDS, Wade could be the next in.