MINNEAPOLIS -- The timing was terrible for Mick Abel to suffer a bout of right elbow inflammation, just as he was starting to get on a roll in his second big league season. The good news is Abel is progressing well and remains confident that the issue is minor.
The right-hander has begun playing catch, and said Tuesday that he expects to throw a bullpen session within the next few days. Given that it’s still only two weeks since he pitched in a game, he should not need an especially extensive buildup to get back to fitness once he’s cleared to pitch in games.
Abel pitched brilliantly on April 14 against the Red Sox, but he woke up two days later with elbow soreness. He felt all right playing catch that day, but an MRI revealed inflammation and he was shut down.
“Most of it was when I was not doing anything, which was the worst part,” Abel said. “I was very frustrated. I’d gone to play catch, get loose, all right, feels good, feel good when I’m pitching, feel good when I’m throwing, but I think the worst part was when I wasn’t doing anything it would hurt the most. That’s what I felt uncomfortable with going out there. Just didn’t want anything bad to happen, get worse.”
Connor Prielipp has been impressive in Abel’s absence, making two strong starts.
Acton sidelined
Right-hander Garrett Acton, recently acquired from the Marlins, has landed on the 15-day injured list. He’s been shelved with a right shoulder strain. To take his spot, Minnesota has selected the contract of veteran righty Luis García, who recently signed after being released by the Mets. To make room on the 40-man roster for García, righty Zak Kent has been designated for assignment.
Garcia, 39, has appeared in 14 seasons in the Major Leagues, with a 4.11 career ERA in 609 appearances.
Quick promoted
Right-hander Riley Quick, the Twins’ second selection in the 2025 Draft and their No. 11 prospect, has been promoted from Single-A Fort Myers to High-A Cedar Rapids.
COMPLETE TWINS PROSPECT COVERAGE
Quick, 21, got off to a tremendous start at Fort Myers, with 13 strikeouts, three walks, and one hit allowed in eight innings over three appearances. He joins a roster laden with top prospects at Cedar Rapids, including Eduardo Tait (Twins' No. 3 prospect, No. 56 overall), Dasan Hill (No. 6), and fellow top ’25 draftee Marek Houston (No. 8).