Minnesota Twins Get Encouraging Rehab Performance From Former Major Trade Acquisition

After getting Tommy John surgery 16 months ago, Chris Paddack of the Minnesota Twins made his way back to the mound on Wednesday night in an impressive first rehab performance.

Minnesota Twins pitcher Chris Paddack made an impressive return to the mound on Wednesday, throwing in his first game since getting Tommy John surgery 16 months ago.

Per Bobby Nightengale Jr. of the Minneapolis Star Tribune:

Chris Paddack made his return to a mound for the first time since he had Tommy John surgery nearly 16 months ago. 

Pitching line at Class A Fort Myers: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 K. 

His fastball sat around 95 mph. He drew five whiffs on six swings against his changeup.

Chris Paddack made his return to a mound for the first time since he had Tommy John surgery nearly 16 months ago.

Pitching line at Class A Fort Myers: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 K. His fastball sat around 95 mph. He drew five whiffs on six swings against his changeup.

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) September 7, 2023

Paddack will undoubtedly need more appearances before he can be an option for the Twins this season, but he may be able to come back and help them out of the bullpen before the regular season ends.

The 27-year-old has great stuff and was acquired from the San Diego Padres in a trade in April of 2022.

He made his major league debut in 2019 and is 21-21 lifetime with a 4.20 ERA. His best year was his rookie year (2019), when he went 9-7 with a 3.33 ERA for the Padres.

He'll be a free agent after the 2025 season so the Twins are looking at least two full years of his contributions.

The Twins enter play on Thursday at 73-67 overall. They are in front of the American League Central by 6.0 games over the Cleveland Guardians. 

The Twins are off on Thursday but will start a new series with the New York Mets on Friday night.

First pitch from Target Field is 8:10 p.m. ET.

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