Mick Abel Hits Injured List: Twins Make Roster Move
The Minnesota Twins placed rookie right-hander Mick Abel on the 15-day injured list Monday. Team officials cited inflammation in his right elbow. This roster move leaves an opening in the rotation.
There was no formal corresponding transaction announced. Reports indicate prospect Kendry Rojas will join the big-league roster tomorrow. Top prospect Connor Prielipp has been added to the major-league taxi squad.
Immediate pitching replacement
The Twins will advance Simeon Woods Richardson to start tomorrow. He had been scheduled to pitch on Wednesday. The club will use the off-day to reshuffle the rotation, per Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
With Abel sidelined, Minnesota now has four rotation spots set. Joe Ryan, Taj Bradley, Bailey Ober and Woods Richardson are in place. The club will consider internal options to fill the fifth slot.
Abel’s background and recent form
Abel, 24, was the 15th overall pick in the 2020 draft by Philadelphia. He was traded to Minnesota at last year’s deadline with catching prospect Eduardo Tait. The trade sent Jhoan Duran back to the Phillies; Duran is also on the injured list.
He debuted in the majors in 2025 after a rebound season. Abel earned a rotation spot out of spring training this year. His Grapefruit League line included 22 innings, a 2.05 ERA, a 32.9% strikeout rate and a 4.9% walk rate.
Abel struggled in his first two regular-season outings. He then recorded 13 shutout innings across his next two starts. Over 20 1/3 innings this season, he has a 3.98 ERA, a 24.7% strikeout rate and a 10% walk rate. Advanced metrics show a 2.79 FIP and a 3.93 SIERA.
Who might take his spot?
Candidates include Kendry Rojas, Connor Prielipp and Zebby Matthews. Rojas is expected to be called up today. Prielipp has been added to the taxi squad and could be available quickly.
Matthews lost the final rotation battle to Abel. He has struggled in Triple-A, posting a 7.71 ERA in his first four turns. The 25-year-old was once a top-100 prospect but has fallen down the depth chart.
Minnesota also recalled Andrew Morris and put him in the big-league bullpen. The 24-year-old starter remains stretched out. He could be used as a spot starter, opener follow, or in a piggyback role.
Timeline and outlook
The IL placement is retroactive to April 17. If the issue is limited to a minor inflammation, Abel would be eligible to return as early as May 2. The Twins have not indicated a longer-term prognosis.
Manager Derek Shelton is expected to speak with reporters before Tuesday’s series opener in Queens. The club will likely provide more details on Abel’s status at that time. Filmogaz.com will monitor updates as they become available.
