Minnesota Twins

Max Kepler is out of the lineup for the Minnesota Twins against the Los Angeles Angels Friday. (Source: Minnesota Twins on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Kepler will take a seat on the bench for Friday’s series opener, with Manuel Margot starting in right field and batting third for manager Rocco Baldelli against the Angels.

Byron Buxton returns to the lineup for the Minnesota Twins against the Los Angeles Angels Friday. (Source: Minnesota Twins on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Buxton is back after sitting out for rest reasons Thursday, patrolling center field and batting second against the Angels for manager Rocco Baldelli Friday.

Carlos Santana went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in a 6-3 win over the White Sox on Thursday.

Fantasy Impact: Santana launched his first homer as a member of the Twins in the eighth inning. The veteran first baseman is off to a slow start with Minnesota, hitting just .147 with four runs and four RBI in 75 at-bats.

Ryan Jeffers went 1-for-3 with a solo homer in a 6-3 win over the White Sox on Thursday.

Fantasy Impact: Jeffers went deep off of Chicago starter Michael Soroka in the sixth inning. The Minnesota catcher is off to a nice start this season, hitting .275 with four homers, 11 runs, and 13 RBI over 69 at-bats.

Jose Miranda went 2-for-4 with a solo homer in a 6-3 win over the White Sox on Thursday.

Fantasy Impact: Miranda went deep in the eighth inning to give the Twins an insurance run in their win over their division rivals. The veteran infielder is now hitting .231 with two homers, two runs, and four RBI over 39 at-bats this season.

Edouard Julien went 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs on Thursday against the White Sox.

Fantasy Impact: Julien hit his seventh home run on the season with a slash line of .213/.308/.513 at the plate. He'll look to get it going more consistently at the plate.

Simeon Woods Richardson delivered a solid performance, allowing two earned runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out six over five innings in the Twins' 6-3 win over the White Sox on Thursday.

Fantasy Impact: This outing continues a promising start to the season for Woods Richardson, maintaining a strong 2.45 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP through his first couple of starts. His ability to get strikeouts and an excellent strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.50) should keep him relevant in fantasy circles, especially in leagues that value pitching metrics like FIP, where his 1.69 mark shines. While the hits allowed in this game were a bit high, his low BABIP (.290) suggests some level of sustainability. Fantasy managers should consider him a viable option, particularly in deeper leagues or as a streaming candidate against favorable matchups while he's pitching this well.

Bailey Ober will now start on Friday against the Angels. (Source: Dan Hayes on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Ober had been scheduled to start on Thursday, but the Twins have called up Simeon Woods-Richardson to take the mound against the White Sox on Thursday.

Griffin Jax delivered a flawless inning, striking out one and securing the save in the Twins' 6-3 victory over the White Sox.

Fantasy Impact: This performance adds to his season's solid stats, now holding a 2.70 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP through 12 appearances. His impressive 12.6 K/9 and 4.67 strikeout-to-walk ratio continue to make him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues, particularly in categories that reward strikeouts and saves. While his role in the Twins' bullpen has fluctuated, his ability to close games could see him earning more save opportunities, boosting his fantasy relevance. However, his occasional inconsistency, highlighted by a blown save earlier in the season, might still be a concern for fantasy managers looking for steadier options.

Joe Ryan earned his first win of the season, allowing three earned runs on four hits and one walk while striking out eight over six innings in Wednesday's 6-3 victory over the White Sox.

Fantasy Impact: This performance marks a significant rebound for Ryan, who, despite a solid season-long ERA of 3.77 and a WHIP of 1.01, had not secured a win until this game. His impressive 11.9 K/9 and 9.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio continue to make him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues, particularly in categories that reward strikeouts and WHIP. The quality start and the win should help stabilize his standing in fantasy rotations, suggesting a potential uptick in his performance could be on the horizon if he maintains his high strikeout rate and effective control.

Willi Castro went 2-for-4 in the Twins' 6-3 win over the White Sox with a home run, a double, one run scored, and three RBI.

Fantasy Impact: Despite a sluggish start to the season with a batting average of just .188, Castro's performance in this game might hint at a potential turnaround. His power display, contributing significantly to the team's victory, could be a sign of him finding his rhythm at the plate.

Jhoan Duran (oblique) is scheduled to make a rehab appearance with Triple-A St. Paul on Friday. (Source: Dan Hayes on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Duran struggled in his rehab outing Tuesday but was able to complete the outing without any setbacks. The 26-year-old could be in line to return if he can show better control in his next rehab outing.

Carlos Correa (oblique) stated that he could return during the Twins’ road trip, which begins Friday. (Source: Do-Young Park on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Correa was able to take swings and do glove work Wednesday. The veteran could return as early as Friday, barring any setbacks.

Trevor Larnach is out of the lineup for the Twins Wednesday. (Source: Twins on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Larnach will get a day of rest with the White Sox starting Garrett Corchet Wednesday. The 27-year-old is hitting .350 with two home runs and six RBI since being recalled on April 16.

Alex Kirilloff is not in the starting lineup Wednesday. (Source: Twins on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Kirilloff will get a day of rest with the White Sox sending lefty Garrett Crochet to the mound. Ryan Jeffers will leadoff and serve as the designated hitter.

Austin Martin is in the starting lineup for the Twins Monday. (Source: MLB.com)

Fantasy Impact: Martin will draw the start in center field and bat ninth against Cleveland Monday. The 25-year-old is hitting .268, with one home run, and four RBI in 15 games.

The Twins have optioned Jair Camargo to Triple-A St. Paul. (Source: Twins on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Camargo only saw four at-bats with the Twins this season. He could be recalled if the Twins need catching depth later in the season.

The Twins have optioned Louie Varland to Triple-A St. Paul. (Source: Twins on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Varland has struggled mightily this season, so this move is not a surprise. The 26-year-old has posted a 9.18 ERA, a 2.16 WHIP, and has recorded the loss in each of his four starts.

The Twins have selected the contract of Ronny Henriquez from Triple-A St. Paul. (Source: Twins on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Henriquez is expected to join the Twins’ bullpen. The 23-year-old has a 4.05 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP in seven appearances in St. Paul.

Josh Winder (shoulder) is scheduled to begin pitching in extended spring training games soon. (Source: Star Tribune Sports on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Winder recently threw two live batting practice sessions as he continues to work his way back from a right scapula injury he suffered last season. The next step would be for Winder to head out on a rehab assignment.