Twins Set to Activate Fireballer from IL on Tuesday

The addition of Durán continues a spate of good news for Minnesota. On Monday, the team also activated star shortstop Carlos Correa from the 10-day IL following an oblique injury 11 games into the season. Durán is on his way back from the same ailment, having strained his oblique during spring training.

Twins to Activate Jhoan Durán from IL

Durán has made his mark in his first two seasons with the Twins. Making his MLB debut in 2022, he spent most of that season in middle relief work. In 67 2/3 innings, he pitched to a 1.86 ERA and a 0.975 WHIP, striking out 89 while converting all eight of his save opportunities. In 2023, Durán became the full-time closer. Pitching 62 1/3 innings, he had a slightly higher ERA (2.45) and WHIP (1.139) but struck out 84 hitters while picking up 27 saves in 32 opportunities.

In two rehab appearances for the Triple-A St. Paul Saints, Durán showed off his usual formidable velocity. With his fastball averaging triple digits, he appears ready to close games again in no time for the Twins.

According to Rotowire, Durán led the American League in 2023 with 473 pitches thrown at 100 mph or faster. At only 26 years old, the Dominican flamethrower has the potential to be a top-tier closer for years to come. The two main caveats are whether he can maintain his speed consistently and keep his arm healthy. Facing the bottom-feeding White Sox should present the Twins a good opportunity to see if Durán is fully healthy.