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.

Twins gamble on 6-8 slugger Carson McCusker at designated hitter against Carlos Rodón, hoping to spark a DH corps in a season where Minnesota has struggled for pop. McCusker teased power in prior at-bats, including a 402-foot pinch-hit homer, and quickly showed why the club is willing to take a swing with him. He went 0-for-2 versus Rodón but gave Minnesota a contrasting, disciplined look and a potential path to more RBI from the DH spot.

Beyond McCusker, the article notes Christian Vázquez’s rehab timeline in Memphis, with plans to extend live BP and a return to the field. Pablo López continues to be a positive off-field story as the Clemente Award nominee, while the report also touches on OBP, DH production, and the broader roster moves aimed at stabilizing the lineup down the stretch.

The Minnesota Twins have placed catcher Christian Vázquez on the 10-day injured list due to left shoulder inflammation, retroactive to Wednesday. Vázquez has struggled this season, hitting only .174 with two home runs in 61 games. To fill the gap, the Twins have called up Jhonny Pereda from St. Paul, who has performed well in the minors. This comes as the Twins gear up for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field.

The Royals enter the series with a record of 57-58, holding a slight lead over the Twins in the AL Central. Salvador Perez has been a key player, maintaining a hot streak with 15 hits in his last 18 games, while new acquisition Mike Yastrzemski is making an impact as well. Meanwhile, the Twins return home after a balanced road trip, with Ryan Jeffers performing impressively, currently on a nine-game hitting streak.