One of the most intriguing players heading into the trade deadline made his long-awaited return to the lineup on Friday. Catcher Ryan Jeffers was back behind the plate for the Twins after missing nearly two months with a fractured hamate bone. The backstop needed just five rehab games to get up to speed.
Jeffers will look to pick up where he left off in the first six weeks of the season. He entered Friday’s action with a 165 wRC+ across 37 games. Jeffers was hitting .295 with seven home runs and 26 RBI through 147 plate appearances before the injury. He’s expected to be one of the most sought-after catchers on the trade market ahead of the August 3 deadline.
The Yankees are known to be interested in Jeffers. The Rays are also looking for catching help. New York had a scout at Friday’s game, per La Velle E. Neal III of the Minnesota Star-Tribune. Tampa Bay also had folks in attendance keeping an eye on Jeffers, notes Darren Wolfson of KSTP.
Here’s more from around the AL Central…
- While teams are pursuing Jeffers, the Twins might not be so willing to sell. Owner Tom Pohlad suggested a more aggressive approach than in previous seasons during an interview with reporters today. “The barometer for success going forward is, ‘Let’s win a championship,’” Pohlad said, relayed by Dan Hayes of The Athletic. “And that’s going to require us to make decisions, whether it’s at a trade deadline or in the offseason, that look probably pretty different than decisions we would have made in the past.” The Twins are only a game out of the final Wild Card spot.
- The Twins are giving Luke Keaschall reps in center field. The former infielder has started in center the past three games, including tonight against the Angels. Keaschall opened the year as Minnesota’s everyday second baseman, but after he posted -6 Defensive Runs Saved, the club moved him to the outfield. Keaschall has recorded -3 DRS in 99 innings on the grass, with most of his opportunities coming in right field. The Twins have a vacancy in center with Byron Buxton sidelined by a hip injury.
- Tigers reliever Will Vest has a stress fracture in his elbow, manager A.J. Hinch told reporters, including Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. The injury will not require surgery, and the club expects Vest to pitch again this year. The 31-year-old righty has been an important member of Detroit’s bullpen for several seasons. He picked up a career-high 23 saves last year. Vest has scuffled to a 6.08 ERA in 27 appearances in 2026.
- Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino rejoined the club on Friday against the Orioles. He wasn’t in the lineup tonight, but is expected to play this weekend. Pasquantino missed less than a month with a fractured hamate bone. “He worked exceptionally hard to get through this,” manager Matt Quatraro told reporters, including Anne Rogers of MLB.com. “He set his goal really early to get back before the All-Star break, and he had to do a lot of hard work to get here.” Pasquantino is in the middle of his worst offensive season as a big leaguer, with an 81 wRC+ in 68 games.
Photo courtesy of Matt Krohn, Imagn Images
