Name: Twins welcome back key bullpen member Brock Stewart
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Twins welcome back key bullpen member Brock Stewart

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Skip to contentBy | bhelfand@pioneerpress.com | St. Paul Pioneer PressThe Twins made just one move ahead of the trade deadline in August, swapping a pair of relievers — Jorge López for Dylan Floro — but otherwise standing pat. They opted instead to make over their bullpen internally.First, they shifted starter Louie Varland to the bullpen, where his stuff has ticked up and he has posted a 1.74 earned-run average in six relief appearances entering Tuesday. Then they did the same with Chris Paddack, moving him to the bullpen for the remainder of this season as well. Paddack, who had Tommy John surgery last May, returned on Sunday.Tuesday, their makeover was finally complete when the Twins welcomed back Brock Stewart, who had been on the injured list since late June. To make space, they designated Floro for assignment.“It kind of sucks not to contribute in any way for the past two and a half months but … to be back now, especially at the right time, six more games before the playoffs, I’m thrilled,” Stewart said. “I feel good, so just going to go out there and do what I can to help the team and focus on each pitch, filling up the strike zone and let the rest take care of itself.”Stewart was dealing with a minor pronator strain and said the median nerve under his pronator was getting trapped. Initially, he said, they didn’t know what was going on. He took six days off from throwing, though the discomfort lingered for “quite some time,” setting his timetable back much further than he had first anticipated.While the Twins were at one point hoping to get him back after the all-star break, his return kept shifting. Now, he’s finally healthy, throwing three scoreless innings with the Saints on rehab as proof.Now back, Stewart, who had a 0.70 earned-run average in 25 2/3 innings this season, could play an important role in the Twins’ bullpen once again.“(I) definitely was anxious to get back. This is the most fun I’ve had,” he said. “So to be back now, I’m thrilled. What’s done is done and I try to look forward with each pitch, with each day, so glad I’m where I’m at right now.”The Twins had a number of players rehabbing at with Triple-A St. Paul over the course of the last week. With the Saints’ season now over, their work has moved to Target Field where they will continue to work towards their returns, though not in game action.“We can simulate some things out on the field for these guys,” manager Rocco Baldelli said.That group includes Byron Buxton, Nick Gordon, Joey Gallo and reliever Jorge Alcala.Another group of players will work out at Target Field for a few days, Baldelli said, and then fly to Fort Myers, Fla. That group will consist of minor league players that will need to stay at the ready and be prepared in case injuries crop up during the postseason. Baldelli said Saints manager Toby Gardenhire would be going down to Florida with them.“If you make a run in the playoffs, you’re going to need some guys,” Baldelli said. “Things are going to happen. You’re going to have to make some moves. There will be injuries. Having these guys lined up will be good.”Baldelli said he thought there was a chance Carlos Correa (plantar fasciitis) could get back on the field this weekend in Colorado when eligible to return from the injured list. He said the shortstop was “improving,” and “doing good.” … Royce Lewis, on the injured list with a hamstring strain, is swinging the bat already. The third baseman’s status for the postseason is in question but Baldelli said he’s also shown improvement. … Floro had a 5.29 ERA in 17 innings pitched with the Twins. López, whom the Twins traded for him, has already been designated for assignment by the Miami Marlins and is now back in Baltimore. The Twins acquired him from the Orioles at the last trade deadline.Most Popular

Skip to contentBy | bhelfand@pioneerpress.com | St. Paul Pioneer PressThe Twins made just one move ahead of the trade deadline in August, swapping a pair of relievers — Jorge López for Dylan Floro — but otherwise standing pat. They opted instead to make over their bullpen internally.First, they shifted starter Louie Varland to the bullpen, where his stuff has ticked up and he has posted a 1.74 earned-run average in six relief appearances entering Tuesday. Then they did the same with Chris Paddack, moving him to the bullpen for the remainder of this season as well. Paddack, who had Tommy...

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Betsy Helfand

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Twins welcome back key bullpen member Brock Stewart

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