MINNEAPOLIS -- The results didn’t look all that much different between Bailey Ober’s first and second Minor League rehabilitation starts. As for how Ober felt? The improvement was real.
Ober came out of his five-inning appearance for Triple-A St. Paul feeling encouraged, and that has the Twins expressing some optimism as well. The right-hander has been on the injured list since July 2 due to a left hip impingement, but after pitching Friday, he feels he’s getting closer to a return.
“Felt good yesterday,” he said. “Felt healthy the first time in a while. That’s always a positive sign. Step in the right direction.”
Part of why Ober was placed on the IL was to give him a chance to sort out his mechanics, because he had fallen into some bad habits as he accommodated the health injury. He said that in Friday’s start, he could tell he was shedding some of those bad habits.
While his velocity was still down, he said he would feel confident taking the stuff and command he had in the St. Paul start into a Major League game.
As for when that might happen, it remains to be seen. Ober could make one more rehab start, or he could return to the big league rotation next week. The club isn’t saying yet, but the optimism is notable.
“I think mechanically he felt as good as he’s felt in a very long time,” said manager Rocco Baldelli.
“Even though [in his previous start] he pitched very well, I think mechanically he wanted to get some things more in sync. I think after this outing, I think that part of it was a more successful outing mechanically and getting him to be able to pitch at this level. So, yeah, everything that I’ve heard so far is very positive and optimistic.”
Festa already feeling better
Right-hander David Festa, who is on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation, sounded encouraged Saturday after meeting with doctors. He received anti-inflammatory injections in both the front and back of his shoulder, and said that they already seem to be having some positive effect.
Festa said that he has been diagnosed with inflammation but no structural damage to the joint. He hopes that his absence will not be too lengthy, but there is no timetable currently for his return.
“I’m happy there’s no structural damage” he said. “I don’t think I was overly concerned about that; I just knew something’s wrong. The good thing is I was told I’d be really, really sore [from the shots]. I’m not as sore as I thought I’d be.”
Festa had been dealing with some discomfort in his shoulder, especially between starts, for a period of weeks. But it became more than he was willing to bear after his last start in Los Angeles, and as a result he’ll be shut down for the time being.
Twins tidbits
Catcher Ryan Jeffers has been placed on the paternity list as his wife, Lexi, is set to give birth to the couple’s second child. Mickey Gasper was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul to take his spot on the roster. … The Twins announced their 21st and final Draft signing, pitcher Jonathan Stevens out of Alabama. Stevens was their 16th-round pick. … Right-hander Pablo López, recovering from a muscle strain in the back of his right shoulder, threw on flat ground Saturday with a catcher in a crouch and someone standing in the location of the batter's box. He’s getting closer to throwing off a mound.