Notes: Kirilloff, Dobnak return; injury news

May 22nd, 2021

The Twins activated their No. 2 prospect, , from the 10-day injured list on Friday and also recalled right-hander from Triple-A St. Paul to start against the Indians.

Kirilloff, who missed the Twins’ last 16 games with a right wrist sprain, was hitting .214 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in 12 games prior to going on the injured list.

Kirilloff, MLB Pipeline's No. 20 prospect, made two rehab appearances for St. Paul, going 3-for-6 with two home runs and three RBIs.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said being healthy was the priority for Kirilloff’s rehab rather than on-field performance.

“It wasn’t even about results, it was more about what he’s capable of physically, being able to play pain-free and go out there and play baseball and not be just hampered by the wrist issue,” he said. “And he went out there, he looked great, he felt great and on top of it all, he hits a couple of home runs and looks fantastic in the process.”

Dobnak, 26, made the Twins’ Opening Day roster and went 0-3 with one save and an 8.16 ERA (14 1/3 IP, 13 ER) in seven relief appearances before being optioned to St. Paul on May 2. He made three starts for the Saints, going 0-1 with a 3.38 ERA (13 1/3 IP, 5 ER), six walks and 11 strikeouts.

Baldelli said the goal for Dobnak is to be stretched out in games rather than used in a limited capacity.

“The most important thing for Randy after being in our 'pen and not getting regular work and not being on any type of a schedule, the most important thing for him was getting stretched out and getting back to being a starter,” he said.

To make room for Kirilloff and Dobnak, the Twins optioned right-handed pitcher Bailey Ober and catcher Ben Rortvedt to St. Paul.

Cruz and Polanco dealing with injuries

Nelson Cruz was scratched from Friday’s starting lineup with wrist soreness. He was hit by a pitch in Game 1 of Thursday’s split doubleheader against the Angels. After Cruz was hit, he stayed in to finish the game, but was absent in Game 2. Baldelli said the slugger received treatment for the injury ahead of Friday’s game.

Jorge Polanco exited Game 2 of the split doubleheader in Anaheim with right ankle soreness. Baldelli said the injury is a flareup of the same ailment that prompted Polanco to undergo surgery in both the 2019 and '20 offseasons.

“... He slid the other day against Oakland and felt something pretty uncomfortable and he's been playing with it since," Baldelli said. "So, we're going to continue to look at him and see what the next steps are for him to get him feeling better because he's been playing well.”

Twins vaccination partnership

The Twins are partnering with CUB Pharmacy to host on-site vaccinations at Target Field for fans during the home series against the Orioles that starts Monday. Vaccines will be administered to participating fans inside Gate 34 beginning when the gates open and up until the seventh inning during all three games.

“We are proud of Minnesotans for reaching impressive vaccination numbers, but as summer begins and our ballparks and stadiums beckon, there are more sleeves to be rolled up to keep us safe and healthy,” said Twins president & CEO Dave St. Peter. “The Twins are happy to partner with Governor Tim Walz, our fellow Minnesota sports teams and CUB Pharmacy to offer vaccinations at Target Field before and during our games next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.”

Participating fans 18 and over who receive the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at Target Field will receive a voucher for a complimentary ticket to a future 2021 Twins regular-season home game.

More info on how to participate can be found at twinsbaseball.com/vaccine.