The Minnesota Twins made a roster move before Wednesday's game against the New York Mets.
With injuries continuing to thin their starting rotation, the Minnesota Twins made a roster move before Wednesday’s game against the New York Mets. The Twins announced that Connor Prielipp had been called up from Triple-A St. Paul. Utility man Ryan Kreidler was optioned back down to the minor leagues in a corresponding move.
Prielipp will make his major-league debut, stepping directly into a starting role as the Twins look for answers. The 25-year-old southpaw was selected 48th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft and has long been viewed as one of the organization’s most talented young arms.
He has opened his 2026 season strong, posting a 2.30 ERA with 22 strikeouts across 15 2/3 innings for St. Paul, making it a no-brainer to call him up to the active roster.
Health has been the biggest obstacle in his development. Prielipp underwent an internal brace procedure on his left elbow in 2023, his second major UCL-related surgery, and missed significant time.
Last season he finally logged a full workload, striking out 98 batters in 82 2/3 minor-league innings and reestablishing himself as a key part of Minnesota’s future plans. His ERA did rise above 5.00, yet his stuff had clearly remained effective.
The Twins rotation issues began as soon as pitchers and catchers reported to spring training this year. Right-hander Pablo Lopez experienced discomfort in his first bullpen session and ultimately required season-ending UCL surgery.
David Festa, who was competing for a rotation spot, suffered a shoulder injury and has yet to pitch in 2026. He is still working his way back.
Mick Abel, acquired last summer in the Jhoan Duran trade with the Philadelphia Phillies, earned a rotation job out of camp but landed on the injured list earlier this week with right elbow inflammation.
With those setbacks, Minnesota is currently rolling with Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Simeon Woods Richardson and breakout candidate Taj Bradley. Prielipp now gets at least one opportunity to show he belongs in that group. If he impresses in his debut, it is possible he earns multiple turns while the Twins navigate their injury-thinned staff. Prielipp still has options remaining so it is unlikely he remains in MLB for the entirety of 2026.
Regardless of how long he stays, Prielipp joins a growing collection of young, controllable arms who offer Twins fans real optimism for the future, and his first chance to contribute arrives on Wednesday in New York.