The Minnesota Twins have not been very successful so far this season, and there are various reasons for it.
One possible explanation is the amount of injuries to key players that they have encountered. Notable names such as Trevor Plouffe, Ervin Santana, and Glen Perkins have all spent the last few weeks on the DL, but two of those are close to returning.
Trevor Plouffe activated from DL
The first move the Twins made after their 6-2 win over Houston on Monday night was to activate Plouffe from the disabled list. Plouffe had been on it since April 18 with a strained right intercostal. Before his injury, Plouffe batted .302/.333/.535 with two home runs and six RBIs in 12 games.
Plouffe finished a two-game rehab assignment on Sunday with Class A Advanced Fort Myers, where he went 1-8. In order to make room on the roster, infielder Jorge Polanco was optioned to Triple-A Rochester.
Ervin Santana to return this weekend
Santana has not had good starts to his two seasons in Minnesota. He missed the first half of last season after being suspended for steroids, than this season he was placed on the DL on April 20 with a strained lower back. The good news is that he traveled with the team to Houston, and is expected to be activated before Saturday's game in Chicago, where he will make the start.
Before his injury, Santana was 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 20 innings. He was also the starter on opening day in Baltimore. He will throw a simulated game on Tuesday, and if all goes well, look for him to pitch on Saturday in Chicago.
Other notable injury news
- Right handed pitcher Kyle Gibson played catch on Monday as he strives to recover from a strained right shoulder. While there is still no timetable for his return, he is expected to throw a bullpen session this week.
- Left handed reliever Glen Perkins is also on the DL, with a strained left shoulder. He also does not have a timetable for his return, but he has not thrown since being placed on the DL on April 11, according to manager Paul Molitor.