Paddack (right forearm strain) does not think he'll be able to return before the end of the regular season despite a recent clean MRI, but he is hopeful he could return as a reliever for the playoffs, MLB.com reports.

Paddack has been out since July 14 due to a right forearm strain. He played catch from 60 feet Wednesday and will try to ramp up his activity the next few weeks with a goal of being ready in October. However, that may be a long shot since he's unlikely to have any game action before the playoffs and the Twins may not want to use a pitcher with such a long layoff in the postseason.