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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.
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Gabriel Gonzalez went 3-for-3 on Wednesday for High-A Cedar Rapids. Two of the hits were doubles, he walked once, drove in two, scored twice, and stole two bases. Despite the big day at the plate, his batting average stands at .250 on the young season, but hopefully this breakout game is a sign of things to come for MLB's 72nd overall prospect. The Twins' fourth-ranked prospect hit .348 in Single-A over 73 games in 2023, but just .215 in 43 games at High-A. On the plus side he hit nine home runs at each stop, totaling 18, and he's still only 20 years old so there's time to grow into more power.
Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler (knee) will start his minor-league rehab start with Triple-A St. Paul on Thursday. Kepler landed on the injured list with a right-knee contusion but was able to run the bases this week and will now start playing in minor-league games to end the week. Barring a setback with St. Paul, the 31-year-old left-handed outfielder could be able to return from the IL by early next week. When healthy, Kepler should play regularly against right-handed pitchers despite getting just one hit in his first 20 at-bats of the season. Until Kepler is able to return, the likes of Alex Kirilloff, Trevor Larnach and Manuel Margot will battle for extra playing in right field for the Twins.
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Rubel Cespedes signed with the team out of the Dominican Republic in 2019. He has gradually developed within the Twins' farm system and is currently a promising prospect with a variety of skills. He displays positional versatility, having played all four infield positions in 2023. Expect him to settle into a corner infield position long-term. He has also flashed impressive glovework, maintained an impressive K/BB rate, and demonstrated an impressive hit tool. Plus, although he has never been viewed as a major power threat, the first baseman has already homered in three of seven games so far this year. Speaking of Cespedes' contributions this season, the 23-year-old is coming off a big week at High-A. Over six games, he went 11-for-24 with three homers, 11 RBI, three walks, and five strikeouts.
Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran (oblique) said he's feeling closer to 100 percent in terms of command after throwing a 25-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday. He's now expected to face live hitters during Friday's pre-game workouts at Target Field. An oblique strain forced the 26-year-old to the injured list to begin the 2024 season, but he recently started throwing off a mound and could be getting close to going on a short minor-league rehab assignment before returning to the Twins' bullpen. If he avoids any setbacks with his oblique, fantasy managers might get the hard-throwing closer back before the calendar flips to May. Given Duran's dominance when healthy, he should be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues. In his absence, Minnesota is going with a committee approach to saves involving Griffin Jax, Steven Okert, Cole Sands and Brock Stewart.