The Minnesota Twins suffered a considerable injury blow on Wednesday.
Starting pitcher Tyler Mahle, acquired around the trade deadline a couple of weeks ago, had to leave his start today.
He exited with a trainer midway through the third inning and had a hard time throwing over 90 mph with many of his four-seam fastballs.
Tyler Mahle exits with a trainer midway through the third inning after struggling to top 90 mph with many of his fastballs.
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) August 17, 2022
Still, he managed to throw 2.1 hitless innings versus the Kansas City Royals before going out.
After leaving with the trainers and being examined, it was determined he had right shoulder fatigue.
Right shoulder fatigue announced for Tyler Mahle, the #MNTwins say. He is being further evaluated. They say update either postgame or tomorrow.
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) August 17, 2022
He already had a bit of a right shoulder scare last month before the Reds traded him.
The Twins Are Afraid Mahle’s Right Shoulder Barks Again
It appears it’s returning. so it’s not really an encouraging development for Minnesota, who is in the middle of a hot battle for the first spot of the AL Central division with the Cleveland Guardians and the Chicago White Sox.
At 60-55, the Twins entered Wednesday’s action just one game behind the Guards for the first spot.
It remains to be seen if Mahle can dodge a long-term injury, but at the very least, he is probably looking at a stint on the injured list and a few days of rest.
He will probably undergo some tests and imaging on his right shoulder.
He hasn’t had his finest year, yet has remained competitive with a 4.26 ERA in 116.1 innings between the Reds and the Twins.
Manager Rocco Baldelli and the Twins’ front office will likely update Mahle’s condition in the upcoming hours.
They need him healthy and effective to make a run at the AL Central division.
The three teams are really close and injuries could be the difference between a playoff spot and an early ticket home.
NEXT: Twins Fan Explains The New Carlos Correa Report