Minnesota Twins' Pitching Depth Takes A Hit With Kendry Rojas Update

In just his rookie season with the Minnesota Twins, Kendry Rojas has become a versatile depth piece for the team, compiling a 3.34 ERA and 1.52 WHIP while striking out 34 batters in 12 games of big-league action.

However, injuries have limited his potential as he previously spent a stint on the team's 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation in late May. 

As of Saturday, Rojas will be sidelined once again due to an oblique strain he suffered during his Friday start with Triple-A St. Paul that prompted his removal from the game following the first inning, according to Aaron Gleeman.

While he has mostly assumed a role out of the bullpen, Twins manager Derek Shelton turned to the 23-year-old left-hander for four starts so far this season.

Rojas would be instrumental in helping Minnesota secure a 2-0 shutout win over the Athletics on July 25, fanning five batters while only surrendering one hit and issuing a single walk in four innings of work.

Also, Rojas had a similar performance against the AL Central rival Cleveland Guardians on May 10 when he was tasked with being a crucial innings-eater after Andrew Morris only pitched in the first.

Through 3.1 innings, Rojas fanned five batters and only gave up one earned run despite allowing five hits and three walks. His efforts would eventually result the Twins earning a 5-4 victory over their divisional foe.

Still, he's shown some growing pains common for a young arm that's new to facing off against major-league hitters.

The Twins lost their Aug. 2 matchup 7-6 to the Seattle Mariners when Rojas coughed up three earned runs and recorded one strikeout in the seventh, which would be the only inning he saw on the mound.

As a result, Minnesota would option Rojas back to St. Paul in order to make roster space for newly acquired reliever Jeff Hoffman.

Nonetheless, Rojas' renewed injury struggles spell trouble for a Minnesota squad looking to make a return to the postseason for the first time since 2023.

While the team has been finding its groove offensively, their pitching has still struggled with ace Joe Ryan being sidelined as well and right-hander Mick Abel out for the season due to an elbow surgery he had in July.

The Twins will be back in action this afternoon at 4:10 p.m. EDT as they have their sights set on avoiding a potential three-game sweep by the San Diego Padres.