Lincoln Zdunich
Taj Bradley has been the de facto ace of the Minnesota Twins this season. His surge has been one of the best parts of the Twins’ 2026 campaign, posting a 2.87 ERA in 47 innings. His fastball run value has gone from being in the 20th percentile (2025) to the 94th this year.
That’s what makes the news of Bradley being sent to the injured list all the more concerning. The Twins have been beleaguered by injuries to their rotation recently. Bradley was one of the few remaining steady presences on the roster for Minnesota. That’s now been thrown into confusion, as Bradley has inflammation in his right pec.
Bradley’s breakout has been wonderful to watch, though it has seemed to be a little bit on the lucky side. His xERA (3.88) is a full run higher than his actual ERA. That shows he may have some help from the baseball gods on his side, though even Bradley’s xERA is a better mark than any he’s put up in either of his previous MLB seasons.
Impact of the Injury
Bradley reported soreness to the Twins’ staff soon after his most recent start against the Washington Nationals. He was flown back to Minnesota and underwent an MRI. Manager Derek Shelton has said that the injury doesn’t impact his pitching, but that it affects other movements. It’s seemed to be more of a cautious move than one that will affect Bradley’s full season very much.
That’s great news for the Twins. They had already lost Pablo López before the season started to Tommy John surgery. Alongside López, Mick Abel was sidelined with an elbow injury. Those complications have created serious depth concerns in the Minnesota rotation. Thankfully, Bradley should be back soon enough to help assuage those worries.
In a corresponding move, Bradley’s spot on the roster was replaced by righty Travis Adams. Adams hasn’t allowed a run in his last two appearances, but was tagged for six runs prior to that. He could possibly be used in a bulk relief or swingman role for the club.
