Injury Update On Twins Starting Pitcher; Former Top Prospect

He underwent Tommy John surgery last May.

Minnesota Twins starter Chris Paddack said on Wednesday that he began a throwing program last week and has progressed to throwing off flat ground from 60 feet.

Chris Paddack says there's "weight lifted off [his] shoulders" after getting the three-year deal from the Twins. Feels less pressure to maybe rush back, but still hopes to be pitching for the Twins by Aug/Sept.

He started throwing last week and is working from 60 feet now.

— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) February 15, 2023

Paddack may be able to get back on the mound, and even face hitters, by the end of spring training, but he noted that he probably won't be able to make his season debut until August or September.

This was the second Tommy John surgery of Paddack's career and, as a result, he faces an even tougher return to action, let alone the success he found in his rookie season with the San Diego Padres.

Regardless, the Twins obviously still have faith in the twenty-seven-year-old, seeing how they signed him to a three-year, $12.525 million contract in January.

Once a former top prospect with the Padres, Paddack has struggled since his rookie season in 2019, compiling a career ERA of 4.20, a 1.13 WHIP, with 330 strikeouts across 330.1 innings and 65 starts.

The Twins acquired Paddack from the Padres last April, in a deal that saw Minnesota send Taylor Rogers over to San Diego.
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