The Minnesota Twins are limping into a new week, and for fans, it's starting to feel like a familiar kind of heartbreak. After splitting a four-game series against the reigning American League champion Toronto Blue Jays—a series they actually managed to finish with a win—the roster news is anything but celebratory. Joe Ryan, Cole Sands, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and top prospect Walker Jenkins have all joined the growing injury list, leaving the team scrambling for answers.
There was a glimmer of hope with Jenkins, who had been showing real promise since Opening Day in St. Paul. Through 25 games, he was slashing .256/.396/.389, a solid start that hinted at the talent the Twins have been banking on. But a collision with the outfield wall this past weekend has sidelined him indefinitely, a tough break for a player who's already battled injuries. Even more concerning is the situation with Joe Ryan. He was pulled from his start yesterday after facing just two batters, complaining of elbow soreness. An MRI has been performed, but the team has yet to release any updates. For a rotation already stretched thin, this is a gut punch.
The Twins have now slipped to the bottom of the AL Central, thanks in part to a hot streak from the Kansas City Royals. It's the kind of season that feels all too predictable for long-suffering fans. But here's the thing: there's still a community to lean on. We're launching a new segment called Daily Questions, where you can share your thoughts on the team and debate with fellow fans. Game threads and recaps are back too, so you can commiserate—or celebrate—together as the season unfolds.
Zach Koenig offers a bit of perspective, reminding us that "it can always be worse" by looking back at the 2016 Twins squad. Meanwhile, Dan Hayes at The Athletic checks in on new controlling owner Tom Pohlad, one month into his tenure. Over at the Star Tribune, Neal Justin reviews a new musical about Joe Mauer at the Hopkins Center for the Arts—because even in tough times, there's always room for a little baseball nostalgia.
On the field, there were some positive signs. The bullpen showed life yesterday, with Andrew Morris and Taylor Rogers leading the charge. Lou Hennessy at Zone Coverage suggests a few more bargain-bin options to shore up the relief corps, which is always worth exploring. At the top of the American League, little has changed—the Yankees, Rays, and A's continue to lead the pack. But the bottom has shuffled, with the Angels and Twins now among the league's five worst teams. In the National League, Atlanta holds a comfortable 2.5-game cushion, while the Mets and Phillies have finally strung together some wins after enduring double-digit losing streaks.
It's a long season, and the Twins are still in it. But if you're looking for a silver lining, it might just be that the misery is shared—and that makes it a little easier to bear.