Joe Nelson

Joe Nelson

Joined: Jan 4, 2024

Joe Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in Minnesota sports journalism. Nelson began his career in sports radio, working at smaller stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before moving to the highly-rated KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. While there, he produced the popular mid-morning show hosted by Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen. His time in radio laid the groundwork for his transition to sports writing in 2011. He covers the Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins for On SI.

May 17, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis (23) throws to first base to get out Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Sal Frelick (10) during the eighth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Minnesota Twins News

May 31, 2025; Oxford, MS, USA; Georgia Tech Yellowjackets catcher Vahn Lackey (25) reacts after stealing second base during the first inning against the Murray State Racers. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Minnesota Twins News

Apr 23, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) reacts after hitting a double during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Minnesota Twins News

May 26, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Byron Buxton (25) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Chicago White Sox during the 11th inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Minnesota Twins News

Apr 7, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis (23) reacts after being walked during the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images

Minnesota Twins News

Royce Lewis suited up for the St. Paul Saints on Thursday and homered on the first pitch he saw.

May 17, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Ryan Jeffers (27) celebrates his solo home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fifth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Minnesota Twins News

Ryan Jeffers is going to miss an extended period on the injured list after suffering a fractured hamate bone in his right hand during the Minnesota Twins' 5-4 win over the Houston Astros on Monday night.

May 17, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis (23) reacts to a strikeout against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Minnesota Twins News

After 31 games and 104 mostly unproductive and uncompetitive at-bats, the Minnesota Twins have optioned third baseman Royce Lewis to Triple-A St. Paul.

May 17, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Luke Keaschall (15) runs after hitting a single against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fifth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Minnesota Twins News

The American League is so bad that even the uninspiring Twins are in the thick of the playoff race with a 21-26 record.

Apr 13, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder Matt Wallner (38) reacts in pain after hitting hit by a pitch against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Minnesota Twins News

Wallner has been striking out at an alarming rate all season, and Minnesota finally made the move to send him down on Thursday.

Apr 28, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Kody Funderburk (57) delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

Minnesota Twins News

The walk issues have been a big problem for Funderburk.

Feb 19, 2026; Lee County, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Kaelen Culpepper (76) poses during photo day at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Minnesota Twins News

It may be time to send Royce Lewis, Matt Wallner, and Kody Clemens to Triple-A.

Walker Jenkins leaves the game after colliding with the outfield wall on May 3, 2026.

Minnesota Twins News

Jenkins is expected to undergo an MRI on Monday after leaving the Triple-A St. Paul Saints game on Sunday.

May 3, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan (41) throws to the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Minnesota Twins News

Just when you think the Minnesota Twins have hit rock bottom with 13 losses in 16 games, they lost No. 1 pitcher Joe Ryan to a potential elbow injury just two batters into Sunday's home game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Apr 23, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Minnesota Twins pinch hitter Ryan Jeffers (27) looks up at his grand slam home run during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Minnesota Twins News

Joe Ryan gave up two homers early as the New York Mets built a 7-2 lead through five innings, but the Minnesota Twins climbed all the way back, with an epic two-out grand slam and bat flip by Ryan Jeffers tying the game in the eighth inning.

Apr 21, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean (26) reacts after giving up a two-run home run to Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) in the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Minnesota Twins News

Minnesota has already beaten eight starting pitchers this season who have been an All-Star at least once.

Mar 29, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran (16) prepares on deck in the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Minnesota Twins News

Duran was seen flipping off a fan during Tuesday night's Twins-Red Sox game at Target Field.