Minnesota Twins DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Minnesota Twins reliever Jhoan Duran (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday at Triple-A St. Paul. The fireballer recently threw a live batting practice without any discomfort and will now begin the next step in his recovery. Duran will likely be able to return to the majors within the next couple weeks, assuming there are no setbacks. The 26-year-old should be rostered in all fantasy formats as he offers high-end upside as a closer. He may not resume his ninth-inning duties right away for the Twins, but there is no doubt that he will return to closing at some point in the near future.

Minnesota Twins right-hander Griffin Jax struck out two over a perfect inning to earn the save in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Detroit Tigers. Griffin entered the ninth inning to protect a one-run lead. The 29-year-old needed just 12 pitches to retire the side for his second save of the year. Jax owns a 3.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts over nine innings in 2024. Jhoan Duran (oblique) is set to begin a rehab assignment soon and will take back Minnesota's closer role once activated from the injured list. Fantasy managers should continue to hold onto Jax for now, as he is a favorite for save chances in the Twins bullpen while Duran is sidelined.

Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis (quadriceps) has started to begin baseball activities according to the Twins head trainer Nick Paparesta. "We're looking to get him in a running progression probably the end of next week. He's still got some boxes to check, but heading in the right direction," the trainer said. No timetable has been set for the 24-year-old's return though it's still likely he won't be back until closer to the All Star Break. Kyle Farmer and Jose Miranda have been splitting time at third base in Lewis' absence. Farmer has hit for a paltry 15 wRC+ in 41 PA while Miranda has hit for a 119 wRC+ in 28 PA. Fantasy managers shouldn't rush to add either player in Lewis' absence, though Miranda shows more potential currently.

Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Daniel Duarte (elbow) has elbow surgery scheduled for May 8 with Dr. Keith Meister and will miss the rest of the 2024 season. It's an elbow issue for Duarte after he originally landed on the injured list with a triceps strain. The 27-year-old had only pitched four innings in two appearances out of Minnesota's bullpen before suffering the injury. He had allowed one earned on two hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out three in his four innings of work. Even if he avoids Tommy John surgery, there's a chance Duarte won't be ready for the start of the 2025 season. In 38 1/3 relief innings in the big leagues since making his MLB debut in 2022, Duarte has a 3.99 ERA, a 1.38 WHIP, one save, 24 walks and 28 strikeouts.

Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran (oblique) threw 21 pitches of live batting practice before Friday's game at Target Field against the Detroit Tigers and didn't feel any discomfort. Duran is close to embarking on a minor-league rehab assignment. "He was supposed to throw 20 and he wanted an extra one, so that tells you he's feeling good," manager Rocco Baldelli said. Once the 26-year-old goes on a rehab assignment, it might not be long before Duran is able to make his 2024 debut. He should be rostered in all fantasy formats despite getting a late start to the season. While Duran can be a high-end fantasy closer when he's healthy, don't be surprised if the Twins ease him into late-inning situations when he initially returns to the big-league bullpen.