Twins catchers face a late-season hurdle as Christian Vázquez fights a left-shoulder infection and Ryan Jeffers recovers from a concussion, forcing a temporary platoon with Mickey Gasper and Jhonny Pereda handling the duties. Vázquez is eyeing a rehab stint with the St. Paul Saints, while Jeffers’ return hinges on concussion recovery. Minnesota deploys a six-man rotation down the stretch, with Zebby Matthews set to duel the Yankees as Taj Bradley waits in the wings. Pablo López headlines off-field impact, winning the Clemente Award for notable charitable work.

Vázquez and Jeffers’ health reshapes the Twins’ lineup chemistry and fantasy projections down the final two weeks. Meanwhile López’s leadership and community effort add a steadying presence, and the club’s rehab pipeline—paired with minor-league calls—keeps speculative value alive for late-season adds. The series against New York looms as a proving ground for the refreshed rotation and the depth behind the plate.

Nico Hoerner over 1.5 total bases vs Pittsburgh headlines three strong MLB prop bets for Monday. Cody Bellinger over 0.5 homers vs Minnesota adds a chance to cash on a veteran hot-streak, while Ranger Suarez over 4.5 strikeouts vs the Dodgers offers a high-upside pitcher-prop. Hoerner’s recent multi-hit run and 70-hit lifetime vs Pittsburgh boost the base path, Bellinger’s steady .299/OPS near 1.00+ runs, and Suarez’s 9.4 K/9 since the All-Star break backs the Ks line.

These plays balance hot recent forms with favorable matchups and park/line dynamics, giving fantasy managers and bettors three distinct angles on Monday’s nine-game slate.