The Minnesota Twins activated right-hander Taj Bradley from the 15-day injured list and designated Luis Garcia for assignment ahead of Friday’s game against the Boston Red Sox. Bradley is expected to take the mound for the Twins, while Garcia, who has struggled in his brief time with the club, now faces an uncertain future.
Bradley’s activation is retroactive to May 6, meaning he missed more than the minimum 15 days due to a right pec inflammation. The Twins had placed him on the IL as a precaution, and he made one rehab start with Triple-A St. Paul before his return. Bradley has been a reliable arm out of the rotation this season, posting a 2.87 ERA with a 26.1% strikeout rate and a 8.5% walk rate through eight starts and 47 innings.
The Twins’ decision to DFA Garcia comes after a disastrous stretch with the team. The 39-year-old righty struggled mightily, posting a 10.38 ERA across nine appearances and 8 2/3 innings. Over 15 total innings with the Mets and Twins, Garcia has walked and struck out six batters each, resulting in a 9.00 ERA. His poor performance has cost Minnesota a chance to stabilize its rotation, and it was clear Garcia was not a long-term solution.
Garcia, who signed a one-year, $1.75 million deal with the Mets this offseason, is likely to clear waivers. Any team claiming him would be responsible for the remainder of his contract, which is a significant financial burden. The Twins only paid Garcia the prorated portion of the MLB minimum salary during his time on the active roster, and that amount is subtracted from his $1.75 million total.
Bradley’s return is a boon for the Twins’ pitching staff, which has been plagued by injuries. His 3.66 SIERA reflects both his above-average strikeout rate and his good fortune in stranding runners (84.3% strand rate). With a strong showing Friday, the Twins could see a spark in their rotation.
Garcia’s struggles add to a long history of inconsistency. Over 598 1/3 Major League innings, he has a 4.20 ERA, 21% strikeout rate, and 10% walk rate. A year ago, he posted a 3.42 ERA across 55 1/3 innings with the Dodgers, Nationals, and Angels, but his 2026 season has been anything but consistent.
The Twins now have until 11:59 PM ET Friday to decide Garcia’s fate. Bradley, meanwhile, will take the hill Friday night in a key test against the Red Sox.
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