MLB Player News

Ober (groin) is expected to start Sunday's game against the Royals, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Manager Rocco Baldelli said Tuesday that Ober would return during the Twins' weekend series against the Royals, and the right-hander will ultimately take the mound in Sunday's series finale. Prior to Ober's three-week absence, he posted a 2.75 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 19.2 innings over four starts to begin the year.

Wainwright (5-3) allowed a run on four hits and three walks while striking out three in seven innings to earn the win over the Pirates on Friday.

Although Wainwright missed a turn through the rotation last week while on the COVID-19 IL, he's performed well since then with back-to-back quality starts. The 40-year-old has now posted four consecutive quality starts, and he's posted a 2.08 ERA in 26 innings during that time. The right-hander will attempt to remain productive in his next start, and he tentatively lines up to take the mound at home against the Brewers on Friday.

Lynch (2-3) allowed four runs on five hits and two walks over 3.2 innings Friday, striking out two and taking a loss against the Twins.

All the damage against Lynch came during the first two innings, including a three-run first frame by the Twins. It was his first time giving up more than three runs in an outing season his season debut on April 12. The 25-year-old southpaw has registered a 4.01 ERA through 33.2 innings this season. Lynch is lined up for a rematch in Minnesota next week.

Hendricks (2-4) allowed seven runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out three in five innings to take the loss Sunday against the Diamondbacks.

Hendricks gave up just one run in 14.1 innings over his last two starts, but he had one of his worst outings of the season Friday. Josh Rojas and David Peralta each hit two home runs off him as the right-hander gave up a season-high seven runs. Hendricks has been quite inconsistent early in the season, as he's held the opposition to two or fewer runs in five of his nine starts while giving up at least six runs in three of his outings. He'll attempt to get back on track when he tentatively lines up to face the Reds on the road Wednesday.

Lauer (4-1) allowed five hits through seven scoreless innings Friday, striking out five and earning the victory over Washington.

Lauer bounced back from his first loss of the season in dominant fashion Friday. He allowed just one extra-base hit and danced around a couple of threats by the Nationals. It was his second straight game without issuing a free pass as he improved his K:BB to an impressive 54:8 through 41.2 innings. Lauer will carry a 2.16 ERA into his projected start in San Diego next week.

Wacha allowed two runs on four hits and three walks over 4.2 innings in Friday's win over Seattle. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision.

Wacha escaped a jam in the first inning and kept Seattle scoreless until the fifth when Abraham Toro took him deep for a two-run shot. The 30-year-old righty made his first start since May 3 after a stint on the injured list due to intercostal irritation. He's now sporting a 1.76 ERA with a 22:14 K:BB through 30.2 innings. Wacha is projected to face the White Sox on the road next week.

Ray (4-4) allowed four runs on five hits and two walks over six innings Friday, striking out eight and taking a loss against Boston.

Despite the poor final line, the only damage against Ray was Trevor Story's two-out grand slam in the third inning. He's now allowed a home run in four straight starts as his ERA jumped to 4.77 through 54.2 frames this season. The 30-year-old lefty has allowed at least four runs in three of his last four outings but he's posted a 32:8 K:BB during that stretch. Ray is lined up to face Oakland at home next week.

Skubal was diagnosed with a left leg contusion after exiting Friday's game against the Guardians, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Skubal was hit by a comebacker at the end of the fifth inning Friday and immediately went to the clubhouse with a trainer after limping off the field. He'll be reevaluated by the Tigers' medical staff Saturday but should tentatively be considered day-to-day. If he's cleared to make his next turn through the rotation, he's projected to face Minnesota on the road Wednesday.

Civale exited Friday's game against the Tigers due to a left glute cramp, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Civale tweaked his glute while covering first base in the top of the seventh inning Friday, and he was immediately removed from the game. The right-hander will presumably be monitored by the team's medical staff in the coming days, but his initial diagnosis of a cramp is somewhat encouraging. If Civale is cleared to make his next turn through the rotation, he tentatively lines up to start on the road against Houston on Wednesday.

Civale was removed from Friday's game against the Tigers in the top of the seventh inning due to an apparent leg injury, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Civale gave up at least four runs in each of his first six starts this season, but he was much more effective in Friday's outing. He allowed an unearned run on three hits and a walk while striking out three in 6.1 innings but appeared to tweak something in his leg while covering first base in the top of the seventh. It's not yet clear whether the injury will force Civale to miss additional time.