Twins' Rotation Hit Hard by Injuries, Trade Buzz

The Minnesota Twins have placed starting pitcher Bailey Ober on the 15-day injured list due to a left hip impingement, retroactive to June 29, after he allowed 14 home runs and posted a 0-5 record with a 9.00 ERA in his last five starts. Ober's lower-body injuries have hampered his mechanics and velocity, prompting the decision to rest him as the All-Star break nears. The Twins' rotation is further depleted with Pablo Lopez and Zebby Matthews also on the injured list, contributing to the team's recent decline in the standings. Left-handed reliever Kody Funderburk was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul to fill Ober's roster spot, while the team has not yet named a replacement starter. Infielder Jonah Bride was outrighted to Triple-A St. Paul after being designated for assignment to make room for Royce Lewis. Mounting injuries and the team's struggles have sparked trade speculation ahead of the July 31 deadline.