Matt Canterino DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Right-hander Matt Canterino (shoulder) is back with the Minnesota Twins five days after clearing waivers and becoming a free agent, according to The Athletic's Dan Hayes. Despite having season-ending shoulder surgery on March 16, Canterino signed a two-year minor-league deal to return to Minnesota. The 27-year-old is very talented and has a 1.48 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 85 career minor-league innings, but he hasn't been able to stay healthy and hasn't pitched in a game since July 30 of 2022 in the Florida Complex League and with Double-A Wichita. The Twins will be hoping that Canterino will finally get past the injury bug next year and potentially be a high-leverage relief option at the major-league level for the first time in his career.

The Minnesota Twins have designated right-handed pitcher Matt Canterino for assignment. This transaction opened a spot on the roster for infield prospect Luke Keaschall. Entering spring training, Canterino did not pitch in a minor league contest since the 2022 campaign due to Tommy John surgery. He was able to enter camp healthy but suffered a shoulder strain. Later in March, the Twins announced that he would undergo season-ending surgery. In 2022, Canterino was quite effective in Double-A, logging 34 1/3 innings to the tune of a stellar 1.83 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP. He struck out 50 batters and served up 22 free passes. While the Rice product has shown potential at times, he has been unable to stay on the mound over a full season for several years.

According to Phil Miller of the Minnesota Star Tribune, Twins right-handed pitcher Matt Canterino (shoulder) threw his first bullpen session and appears to be a full-go for spring training. Canterino missed the entire 2023 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He was able to participate in spring training last year but then suffered a torn rotator cuff, which kept him out for the entire 2024 season. Earlier in the offseason, the team noted that Canterino is expected to pitch out of the bullpen in order to limit his workload and keep him healthy. During the 2022 season, the former second-round selection held an impressive 1.83 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP across 34 1/3 innings at Double-A. He struck out 50 batters and served up 22 free passes. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as he could eventually find a role in the major-league bullpen.

According to Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribute, right-handed pitcher Matt Canterino is expected to operate out of the bullpen during the 2025 season. Canterino sat out during the entire 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery and then suffered a strain on his rotator cuff, which kept him out for all of 2024. However, before these two injuries, the former second-round selection was showcasing a high upside in the minor leagues and was approaching his major league debut. During the 2021 season, across 21 frames at High-A, Canterino posted a stellar 0.86 ERA and 0.67 WHIP with a 4:43 BB:K ratio. Then, across 34 1/3 frames at Double-A the following summer, the Rice product struck out 50 batters and held a 1.83 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. For now, he is a name to monitor in deeper formats, given his high-upside strikeout potential.

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Matt Canterino (elbow, shoulder), who had Tommy John surgery in August of 2022 and did not pitch in 2023, suffered a shoulder strain Monday and will start the 2024 season on the Triple-A injured list. This is a shame, as the Twins pitching staff has suffered numerous injuries and The 26-year-old had looked good in his two spring outings. He is still worth keeping an eye on in dynasty leagues, but Canterino will now have another health hurdle to overcome before continuing his trajectory to the big leagues.