Twins Place Joe Ryan on Injured List, Call Up Kaelen Culpepper

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have placed pitcher Joe Ryan on the 15-day injured list due to a left glute strain. Meanwhile, they’ve called up shortstop prospect Kaelen Culpepper for his major league debut.

The Twins made several moves, including promoting pitcher Zebby Matthews from Triple-A St. Paul and sending pitcher Taylor Rashi down. Infielder Tristan Gray was also sent back to St. Paul.

Manager Derek Shelton declined to set a return date for Ryan, who has been struggling with his performance recently. “We’ll monitor how he responds to treatment,” Shelton said before Friday’s game. “Predicting a timeline isn’t fair right now.”

Culpepper, ranked as baseball’s No. 29 prospect by MLB Pipeline, is eager to showcase his skills. “I just want to show my athleticism and work ethic,” he shared. He has been performing well in Triple-A, with strong stats this season.

Shelton praised Culpepper’s defensive improvements, noting that the team challenged him to get better in that area. “He’s worked hard and become a better defender,” Shelton said.

Matthews was called up to pitch Friday night after his recent stint in the minors. Gray, who struggled offensively with the Twins this season, was sent down, while Rashi, who had a high ERA, was also moved.

This transaction shuffle aims to bolster the Twins’ lineup as they face the Brewers.