Wallner hits 10-day IL; Twins set rotation for series vs. Guards
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MINNEAPOLIS -- Matt Wallner's season is likely over after the slugging outfielder was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday, retroactive to Thursday, due to a right oblique strain.
Wallner is technically eligible to be reinstated from the injured list on Sunday, Sept. 28, the last day of the season, but that is highly unlikely. He finished the year with a .202/.311/.464 line, 22 home runs and 40 RBIs in 392 plate appearances.
He was removed from the Twins’ game against the Yankees on Wednesday due to what the club initially believed was a lower back issue.
“It was something we might be hoping would be a day or two,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “It's not going to be a day or two, and he's going to miss some time. I think ultimately it very likely closes the book … on his season. It's not the way anyone wants their season to end, but his goal now is to make sure he's going into the offseason as healthy as possible to get himself in a good spot. I don't think that's going to be an issue, but it might take some time once the season ends to make sure his body is in a good spot.”
The Twins recalled Dashawn Keirsey Jr. from Triple-A St. Paul to take Wallner’s spot. James Outman got the start in right field for Friday’s series opener against the Guardians and will likely see the bulk of the time in right over the season’s final days.
Rotation set
The Twins had held off announcing their Saturday starters for a scheduled split doubleheader against Cleveland, but on Friday, the team announced the plans. Joe Ryan will start the afternoon game, with Bailey Ober scheduled to start in Game 2. With six starters and an off-day Monday, each veteran should get one more start before the season ends. Simeon Woods Richardson will start the home finale on Sunday.
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Vázquez getting closer
Christian Vázquez, who has been out since early August after he suffered an infection in his right shoulder, made his Minor League rehab debut on Thursday night. He went 0-for-3 with two walks as the designated hitter for St. Paul. He was slated to start at catcher for St. Paul on Friday and is expected to join the Twins for their season-ending road trip to Texas and Philadelphia.