The Minnesota Twins’ bullpen shuffle kept moving on July 28, 2026, as Cole Sands was sent back to the injured list just two days after returning to the majors. Jack Anderson was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul to take his place.
Sands’ latest stint didn’t last long. Derek Shelton turned to him with Minnesota ahead 7-0 against the Athletics, but he got only one out while Oakland tagged him for five runs. That outing pushed his season ERA to 8.25 with a 6.03 FIP, and the Twins decided he needs more time to recover before he can be counted on again.
There wasn’t any obvious velocity red flag in that appearance, but the damage was done. Sands had been out since April, and his rehab assignment had already been paused before he rejoined the club. He had worked more than 70 innings in each of the previous two seasons, yet he hasn’t been able to get back to the 2024 version of himself, when he posted a 3.28 ERA and 2.63 FIP.
Anderson’s return comes almost immediately after his last trip to St. Paul.
Minnesota claimed him off waivers from the Boston Red Sox earlier this month, and he looked the part in his first big-league run with the Twins, allowing no runs in 3 1/3 innings over three outings. A roster squeeze sent him down when Sands came back, but he’s back in the majors two days later.
Anderson is represented by Gaeta Sports along with Randy Dobnak and Kyler Fedko.
The Twins also got another bit of injury-related movement on the prospect side, with Emmanuel Rodriguez starting a rehab assignment as he works back from thumb surgery. Rodriguez hurt his thumb in May on a headfirst slide into first base and later needed surgery to repair a torn UCL. It’s the second thumb surgery of his career, and injuries have slowed his professional path throughout.
Even with that track record, Rodriguez remains one of the more intriguing players in the system. In 25 games at Triple-A this season, he hit .247 with a .923 OPS, showing a strong eye at the plate and real power.
He profiles as a corner outfielder, and if a spot opens up, he could be an option for Minnesota before the season is over. He’ll likely need several rehab games in Florida before returning to St.
Paul.
In Other News...
Twins Farm System Suddenly Feels In Flux Again
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There was at least one encouraging note elsewhere in the chain, as Cedar Rapids activated left-hander Ross Dunn from the 60-Day Injured List. But with the Saints, Wind Surge, Kernels, Mighty and FCL Twins all carrying their own recent results and upcoming matchups, the bigger picture is still one of a farm system in motion, with more sorting-out likely before the picture settles. [Read more 🡒]
Twins May Be Closing In On A Deadline Pitching Decision
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With Pablo Lopez, Anthony Banda, Mick Abel and Mike Paredes already among the injured, the club is weighing whether its current depth can survive the stretch run or whether it needs another dependable arm to stabilize the staff. Joe Ryan is expected back Tuesday, but the broader picture is still uncertain enough that the Twins may be forced to look for pitching help before the deadline closes. [Read more 🡒]