Twin’s Pitcher Taj Bradley on Disabled List

Another notable pitcher is set to miss time as the 2026 season progresses.

The Minnesota Twins have officially placed right-hander Taj Bradley on the disabled list for 15 days due to inflammation in his right pectoral muscle, as confirmed by the team.

This decision is retroactive to May 6th.

In connection with this, right-hander Travis Adams has been called up from Triple-A to take his place on the roster.

Bradley, who joined the Twins from the Rays in a trade at last year’s deadline, has been showing promising development, reminiscent of the top prospect he was in Tampa Bay. In his eight starts this season, he’s managed a 2.87 ERA with a 1.191 WHIP, accumulating 52 strikeouts over 47 innings. His strikeout rate of ten per nine innings marks his best performance in the last two seasons, while the hit rate he allowed per nine innings (7.5) is a personal best.

This year, Bradley has notably increased his four-seam fastball usage, surging from 38.6 percent in 2025 to 46.5 percent this season. Opponents are hitting .247 against him, which indicates he’s been tough to face. He’s also transitioned his splitter into his second most commonly used pitch, yielding solid results (.206 batting average against).

“Without a doubt, he’s an ace pitcher,” said catcher Ryan Jeffers, expressing his excitement about Bradley’s arrival. “You rarely get a starter who can throw 100 pitches in your rotation. And we heard about his developing splitter — that’s crucial. When he came to spring training, that splitter was a legitimate weapon.”

Currently, Minnesota is already facing challenges with other rotation prospects, including Pablo Lopez, who had postseason elbow surgery and will miss the entire season, and Mick Abel, who is also on the IL for 15 days with right elbow inflammation.

Meanwhile, ace Joe Ryan, who only managed nine pitches in his last start due to elbow issues, is set to pitch against the Guardians on Saturday.

This isn’t just a Minnesota problem; the American League is witnessing injuries among its pitchers too. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal underwent surgery this week to remove a loose body from his pitching elbow. Additionally, Astros ace Hunter Brown is on the IL due to a Grade 2 shoulder strain. And speaking of injury woes, Bradley’s former team, the Rays, will be missing Ryan Peppiot for the season because of upcoming back surgery.