CLEVELAND — The Minnesota Twins' pitching staff took another hit on Saturday when right-hander Taj Bradley was placed on the 15-day injured list with right pectoral inflammation, retroactive to Wednesday. The move comes at a challenging time for the Twins, who are already grappling with multiple injuries in their rotation as they push through the early months of the 2026 season.
Bradley, a key anchor in Minnesota's starting lineup this year, had been performing strongly in what was shaping up to be a breakout comeback campaign. The 25-year-old right-hander, acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in a midseason trade last July, posted a 4-1 record with a 2.87 ERA over eight starts. He led the team with 52 strikeouts and had logged 47 innings, showcasing the potential that once made him a top prospect in the Rays' organization.
The injury surfaced after Bradley experienced discomfort in his pectoral muscle, prompting the Twins to conduct an MRI in Minneapolis. According to team officials, the scan revealed no significant damage, which provided some initial relief amid the uncertainty. Bradley is expected to seek a second opinion from renowned orthopedic specialist Dr. Keith Meister in the coming days to determine the best path forward for his recovery.
“Any time we get an MRI that comes back clean, that’s the best-case scenario,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said before Minnesota's 2-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in 11 innings on Saturday night. “Once we get through the second opinion, we can start a course of action.”
Shelton's comments reflect a cautious optimism within the organization. The pectoral inflammation, while sidelining Bradley for at least two weeks, appears less severe than initially feared, especially given the clean MRI results. However, the timing could not be worse for the Twins, who were set to have Bradley take the mound in the series finale against the Guardians on Sunday.
In his place, the Twins recalled right-hander Travis Adams from Triple-A St. Paul to bolster the roster. Instead of a traditional starter, Minnesota plans to deploy right-handed reliever Andrew Morris in a bullpen game for the Sunday matchup at Progressive Field. This makeshift approach underscores the depth issues plaguing the Twins' pitching staff early in the season.
Bradley's journey to Minnesota has been marked by both promise and inconsistency. Drafted by the Rays in the fifth round out of high school in 2018, he quickly rose through the minors as a highly touted prospect, known for his mid-90s fastball and sharp breaking pitches. Over three seasons in the majors with Tampa Bay, he showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to maintain consistency, compiling a career record that reflected growing pains.
Last season, Bradley's performance dipped further after the July 31 trade to the Twins in exchange for reliever Griffin Jax. Limited to just six starts over the final two months, he finished with a combined 6-8 record and a 5.05 ERA across both teams. The move was seen as a fresh start for Bradley, who entered 2026 determined to solidify his role in the Twins' rotation.
That determination paid off initially, as Bradley emerged as a reliable starter. His eight outings this season included several quality performances, helping to stabilize a rotation that has been battered by injuries. The Twins now find themselves with three-fifths of their projected starting five on the injured list, a situation that could test their depth and resilience as they navigate the American League Central race.
Among the sidelined pitchers is ace Pablo López, who underwent Tommy John surgery and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 campaign. The right-hander, a cornerstone of the Twins' staff since signing a four-year extension in 2024, had been performing well before his elbow injury derailed his season. His absence leaves a significant void in innings and leadership.
Adding to the woes is rookie Mick Abel, who is dealing with right elbow inflammation. The 22-year-old, acquired in a previous trade and seen as a long-term piece, has been limited to spot duty this year while recovering. Officials have not provided a firm timeline for Abel's return, but the elbow issue has raised concerns about his development trajectory.
The rash of injuries has forced the Twins to lean heavily on their bullpen and minor-league options. Adams, the 28-year-old recalled from St. Paul, brings a 3.45 ERA from 12 starts in Triple-A, where he has struck out 68 batters in 65 innings. His versatility could provide some stability, though transitioning to the majors midseason presents its own challenges.
Morris, slotted for the Sunday start, has been a reliable middle reliever for Minnesota, posting a 2.45 ERA in 22 appearances this season. The bullpen game strategy is not unfamiliar to the Twins, who employed it successfully in previous injury-plagued stretches. However, with Bradley's status uncertain, the team may need to rotate such approaches more frequently in the weeks ahead.
Beyond the immediate roster shuffle, Bradley's injury highlights broader concerns for the Twins' pitching health. The organization has invested heavily in its rotation in recent years, with extensions for López and acquisitions like Bradley aimed at building a competitive core. Yet, a combination of overuse, minor league wear, and unfortunate timing has led to this cluster of ailments.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the Twins adapt. Minnesota sits in a tight race in the AL Central, and maintaining momentum without key starters will be crucial. The front office has not ruled out external moves before the trade deadline, though with Bradley's injury potentially short-term, they may opt to monitor internal options first.
As Bradley consults with Dr. Meister, the Twins hope for a swift resolution that allows their right-hander to return to form. His early-season success had him on track for a career year, and a clean bill of health could still salvage much of that momentum. For now, the team turns its focus to the series finale in Cleveland, where resilience will be on full display.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. For more on the Twins' season, follow coverage from The Appleton Times.