Twins Make a Decision on Taj Bradley

Bradley has been sidelined since May 5 due to right pectoral inflammation. He made one rehab start with Triple-A St. Paul last Sunday, allowing one run on two hits over 1.2 innings while striking out three and walking two.

Before his injury, Bradley was emerging as one of Minnesota's most reliable starters. In eight starts, he went 4-1 with a career-best 2.87 ERA across 47 innings. He has also struck out 52 hitters, walked just 17, and held opponents to a .219 batting average this season.

The 25-year-old right-hander was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays at last summer's trade deadline in exchange for reliever Griffin Jax. However, Bradley initially struggled following the move. In six starts with Minnesota after the trade, he posted a 6.61 ERA over 31.1 innings.

Despite those struggles, Bradley has taken a major step forward in 2026. His emergence has been especially important for a Twins rotation whose depth has been heavily tested by injuries this season. Minnesota has already used nine different starting pitchers through its first 51 games.

Mick Abel is currently on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation, while David Festa has yet to pitch in 2026 because of a right shoulder impingement. Meanwhile, Pablo López is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in February.

Even with the instability throughout the pitching staff, the Twins enter Saturday at 24-27 and just three games below .500. In an American League where only three teams are at least three games over .500 (Rays, Guardians, Yankees), Minnesota sits just a half-game out of the third AL Wild Card spot.

The Twins have won four of their last five games and will look to continue that momentum today behind Bradley's return.