Despite winning 13 straight games, the Twins cannot seem to stay healthy.
Left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe placed on 15-day Injured List
Minnesota placed Coulombe, 35, on the 15-day IL with a left forearm extensor strain, according to MLB.
The Twins officially called up right-handed starting pitcher Zebby Matthews, who will make his season debut against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday, as a corresponding move.
Left-handed reliever Kody Funderburk, who was called up as the 26th man for Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Orioles and stayed on the team after right-handed starting pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson’s demotion to Triple-A, will hold onto his roster spot for the time being.
It’s a huge blow for the Twins, as Coulombe has arguably been their best reliever all year.
Coulombe, who the Twins signed to a one-year, $3 million contract in the offseason, has yet to allow a run this season in 16 ⅔ innings and has stranded 10 of 12 inherited runners. He leads all Twins relievers in fWAR (0.7) with 19 strikeouts and just two walks. He’s played a big part in the Twins arguably having the best bullpen in Major League Baseball.
Minnesota leads the league in bullpen fWAR (3.0), FIP (3.03) and BB/9 (2.76) and ranks 4th in K/9 (9.99). The Twins’ bullpen is still among the best in the league without Coulombe, but there is no doubt that he and Jhoan Duran have been the most lights-out relievers for the Twins.
Additionally, with outfielder Carson McCusker joining the squad due to Byron Buxton landing on the 7-day concussion list, the Twins placed Luke Keaschall on the 60-day injured list.
Twins aim to complete sweep of Milwaukee Brewers
The Twins will look to extend their winning streak to 14 when they face the Milwaukee Brewers in the series finale of a three-game set at 1:10 p.m. CST on Sunday.
Matthews, who has a 1.93 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 32 ⅔ innings for the St. Paul Saints this season, will start for the Twins. Right-handed starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (2.66 ERA) will take the mound for Milwaukee.
