Twins' Bailey Ober's Flexor Strain: A Blow to the Rotation
The Minnesota Twins' rotation has been hit hard by injuries this season, and it seems to be getting worse. Bailey Ober, a key member of the team, has been diagnosed with a mild flexor strain in his right elbow, which will sideline him for at least the next 10 to 14 days. This is a significant setback for the Twins, who are already struggling with a depleted rotation.
Ober, 30, had been performing well before the injury. He had a strong start to the season, with a 3.46 ERA in 52 innings and a complete game shutout over the Marlins. However, he has struggled in his last three starts, giving up 14 earned runs in 14.3 innings. This is a concerning trend, especially given his history of injuries.
In June 2025, Ober was also sidelined for a month due to a hip impingement. This is the second straight season that he has been out for an extended period, and it raises questions about his long-term health and reliability. The Twins are already dealing with a host of injuries to their starting pitchers, including Pablo López, David Festa, Mick Abel, and Kendry Rojas. The situation is dire, with five starters on the injured list and a sixth designated for assignment.
Ober, who is 6'9" tall, has emerged as a capable mid-rotation stalwart in Minnesota. He has a career 4.13 ERA and a 23.2% strikeout rate, but his recent struggles and history of injuries make him a trade candidate. If the Twins decide to sell at the deadline, Ober could be a natural choice, but his health will be a major concern.
The Twins' rotation is in a tough spot, with limited options for filling the void left by the injured starters. They will have to rely on their remaining pitchers, such as Joe Ryan, Taj Bradley, Connor Prielipp, and Zebby Matthews, to step up and perform. The team's bullpen is also among the worst in the sport, which adds to the challenges they face.
In the meantime, Ober will be shut down from throwing for the next 10 to 14 days, and he will likely spend the majority of June on the injured list. This is a significant blow to the Twins' rotation, and it will take a collective effort from the remaining pitchers to fill the void and keep the team competitive.
