The Minnesota Twins have placed starting pitcher Bailey Ober on the 15-day injured list with a left hip impingement, requiring an immediate shift in their pitching rotation. This development, centered on a Bailey Ober hip injury update, has prompted the team to recall Kody Funderburk and evaluate new options for their starting lineup as they navigate a series of setbacks.
Ober’s Impact Prior to the Injury
Bailey Ober, known for his six-foot-nine frame, has been a reliable starter for the Twins since 2021, consistently maintaining a mid-rotation role. From 2021 through 2024, he logged over 470 innings with an impressive 3.76 ERA, demonstrating consistency that made him a dependable part of the roster. Despite a rough first outing this season in which he allowed eight runs, Ober managed to stabilize, reducing his season ERA to a respectable 3.48 by the end of May. His steadiness had set expectations for another strong campaign in 2025.
Recent Performance and Ongoing Concerns
In June, Ober encountered a sharp decline in effectiveness. Over the course of five games last month, he surrendered four to seven runs per outing and astonishingly allowed opponents to hit 14 home runs off him—a figure exceeding half of his homer total for an entire season in prior years. Although vulnerability to home runs has periodically affected Ober, the dramatic uptick in long balls conceded raised concerns for the club, particularly given his below-average fastball velocity as a right-hander.
Mounting Injuries Challenge Twins’ Rotation
Ober now joins fellow starters Pablo López and Zebby Matthews on the injured list, making him the third Twins pitcher sidelined in just over a month. The ongoing injuries have forced the Twins to rely on other arms, with Simeon Woods Richardson recently returning to the rotation after being optioned earlier for struggling performance. The current starting rotation consists of Joe Ryan, Chris Paddack, recent call-up David Festa, and Woods Richardson.
Potential Replacements and Depth Moves
With Ober’s recovery timeline still unclear, Minnesota is considering internal options for the starting rotation. Prospects Travis Adams and Andrew Morris may be given opportunities, while the recent waiver claim of Connor Gillispie from the Miami Marlins adds depth. Last month, the club also bolstered their reserves by signing José Ureña to a minor league deal, signaling their intent to strengthen pitching depth. President of baseball operations Derek Falvey noted that discussions about potential trades for pitching began after the injuries to López and Matthews, and the continued health woes may increase urgency as the Twins try to stay in contention for the AL playoffs.
Club Adjusts Infield Roster as Well
In addition to the shakeup on the mound, infielder Jonah Bride has cleared waivers after being designated for assignment and has been outrighted to Triple-A Saint Paul. Bride, acquired earlier this season from Miami, had a brief stint marked by struggles at the plate—managing only a .208 average in 80 plate appearances with Minnesota, after opening the season 4-for-40 and striking out in a third of his at-bats for Miami. Bride’s earlier season included a strong run with Miami in 2024, but outside that stretch, his major league numbers have stayed modest. With limited service time in the majors and no previous outright assignment, Bride will remain with the Twins as minor league depth rather than heading to free agency.
Rotational Decisions Ahead as Twins Face Pivotal Stretch
The uncertainty surrounding Bailey Ober’s return—and a spate of pitcher injuries—have placed significant pressure on the Twins’ rotation and management to identify both immediate and long-term solutions. With Derek Falvey acknowledging ongoing trade talks and the club already making external moves for depth, Minnesota’s ability to adjust will influence their standing in a competitive American League playoff race. As the team awaits more clarity on Ober’s recovery, the next series of games and potential roster changes will likely determine the trajectory of the Twins’ season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did the Twins get Bailey Ober?
A. The Los Angeles Dodgers picked him in the 23rd round of the 2016 MLB draft. However, he chose not to sign and went back to Charleston. In 2017, the Minnesota Twins selected him in the 12th round of the MLB draft, and he agreed to sign with them.