Twins Make Concerning Bailey Ober Roster Decision

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Twins Make Concerning Bailey Ober Roster Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Thomas Kelson | Last updated May 31, 2026 1:16 PM ET

The Minnesota Twins rotation continues to unravel.

Ahead of their series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Twins placed starter Bailey Ober on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.

The Twins also optioned reliever John Klein to Triple-A St. Paul and recalled pitchers Travis Adams and Mike Paredes.

Ober struggled mightily through 12 starts this season, posting a 4.59 ERA over 66.2 innings. He recorded just 46 strikeouts and a 1.22 WHIP.

The loss of Ober comes one day after the Twins designated starter Simeon Woods Richardson for assignment following his own early-season struggles.

The Twins are now without four projected members of their 2026 rotation. Pablo López is out for the season with a torn UCL. Mick Abel is dealing with right elbow inflammation. Woods Richardson was DFA'd. Now Ober joins them on the shelf.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/RpMa2WyCE8
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) May 31, 2026

Ober has been a mainstay in Minnesota's rotation since debuting in 2021. At times, he looked like a frontline starter, regularly working deep into games while pitching efficiently.

In 2024, Ober really started to come into his own. He went 12-9 with a 3.98 ERA over 178.2 innings while striking out 191 batters and posting a 1.00 WHIP.

But the last two seasons have been a great struggle for the 30-year-old. After posting a 5.10 ERA in 27 starts last season, Ober failed to regain his form during the early months of 2026.

The extent of his injury remains unknown. However, right elbow inflammation is always concerning for pitchers, with surgery often a possibility.

Paredes will take over Ober's spot in a rotation that looks unrecognizable at this point. The group now consists of Joe Ryan, Zebby Matthews, Taj Bradley, Connor Prelipp, and Paredes.

Yet despite all the injuries and a roster lacking many offensive stars, the Twins sit just two games out of an American League Wild Card spot.

With Ober now sidelined, the Twins will once again look for answers from within.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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