On Friday night the Minnesota Twins were back in town for their first home contest since the trade deadline fire sale. They did what they have done on the road and kept winning. A 9-4 drubbing of the Kansas City Royals now has them sitting 55-60 on the season.
Manager Rocco Baldelli had a significant change to his 26-man roster though. While all impending free agents not named Christian Vazquez were traded, the veteran backstop was placed on the injured list.
Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
It’s unclear as to when the Twins catcher suffered the injury initially, but the outcome looks like something serious was caught at just the right time.
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Extended absence for MN Twins Christian Vazquez
Jhonny Pereda was promoted to the active roster. If and when he makes a start it will be the first time in three years that the Minnesota Twins have put a name other than Christian Vazquez or Ryan Jeffers at the number “2” position in a starting lineup. Given Vazquez’s update on Instagram, it looks likely his season may be in jeopardy.
The initial diagnosis reported by Bobby Nightengale was a “shoulder infection” for Vazquez. Pioneer Press beat writer Betsy Helfand added some additional context.
Twins catcher Christian Vázquez was hospitalized for an infection in his left shoulder the Twins believe stemmed from a cut on his elbow. It was first brought to their attention on Tuesday night in Detroit and by Wednesday, Vázquez was having trouble raising his arm.
“It’s obviously serious in nature,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “When you deal with an infection that has now basically gotten his shoulder pretty swelled up and uncomfortable, you need to get it taken care of.”
Baldelli said Vázquez had a procedure on Friday to wash out the infection in his shoulder and will be on IV antibiotics for a period of time. The Twins do not have any sort of recovery timetable yet.
The amount that an injury, or specifically an open wound, can transform rapidly is scary. Vazquez plays a demanding position that has him constantly taking a beating. Obviously the body is exposed to significant amounts of dirt and sweat during a baseball game as well.
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It appears that the veteran catcher is in good spirits after going under the knife. The hope would be that doctors caught whatever was going on early enough and Vazquez can make a full recovery.
Related: MN Twins Promote New Catcher With Veteran Injured
The Minnesota Twins are unlikely to make the postseason as they sit 5.5 games back in the AL Central division, and an equal amount (5th in line) for an AL Wild Card spot. With just 47 games remaining, this could signal the end of the season for Vazquez.
Tough end to a rough MN Twins tenrue
Minnesota signed Christian Vazquez to a three-year, $30 million deal prior to the 2023 season. He had a clubhouse pedigree and multiple World Series rings under his belt. While offense wasn’t his calling card, the hope was that he could hold serve enough to make up for it with his defensive acumen.
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Across 256 games for the Twins, Vazquez has hit .212/.262/.305 with just 45 extra base hits (30 doubles, 15 home runs). His OPS+ is nearly half of the league average at 57. It’s been brutal to say the least.
Related: Reasons to Watch MN Twins Games Now That 2025 Playoff Dreams are Dead
The lack of offensive output doesn’t mitigate the impact Vazquez has had behind the plate or in the clubhouse. He is well-liked by teammates, and certainly props up a pitching staff. It’s a complicated way to generate fan appreciation, but that’s the legacy he will leave.
No matter what, wishing Vazquez a full recovery and a speedy return to the field is an easy thing to do.
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