Twins’ Luke Keaschall Out for Season After Thumb Injury

The Minnesota Twins will finish the season without rookie second baseman Luke Keaschall. A left thumb injury has knocked him out of the last five games.

Manager Rocco Baldelli confirmed the news in Arlington, Texas. Keaschall aggravated the injury during a key at-bat while trying to lay down two sacrifice bunts.

For the 23-year-old, this debut year flashed real promise but kept getting interrupted by injuries. The latest setback might mean offseason surgery, but the Twins still see him as a big part of their future.

Rookie Season Ends Prematurely

Keaschall’s first year in the majors hasn’t been easy. Earlier, he missed three months after breaking his right forearm.

Just last year, he had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Despite all that, the 2023 second-round pick has shown the kind of talent and versatility that hints at a long-term role in Minnesota.

The Injury That Closed the Curtain

He re-injured his left thumb during a third-inning plate appearance against Texas. It happened while he tried to bunt twice.

Keaschall will see a hand specialist next week. Early signs point toward likely surgery during the offseason.

Recovery time for thumb surgery varies. The team hopes Keaschall will be good to go for Spring Training in 2025, but you never really know with these things.

Positional Flexibility Could Shape His Future

He’s played mainly at second base this year. But in the minors, Keaschall also appeared in the outfield and at first base.

This kind of flexibility could help the Twins manage his health and get the most out of his bat. If he does need surgery, moving him around the diamond might make his return a little smoother in 2025.

Minor League Success Translated to the Majors

Keaschall’s numbers in 49 games show why the team is excited. He hit .302 with 14 doubles, four home runs, and 28 RBI.

He also stole 14 bases in 17 tries, showing off some speed and instincts. His .382 on-base percentage suggests a pretty mature approach for someone still new to big-league pitching.

The Twins’ Injury Concerns Extend to the Pitching Staff

Keaschall’s injury wasn’t the only blow for Minnesota this week. The team also announced pitcher David Festa will get Botox injections for a mild case of thoracic outlet syndrome.

The condition involves pressure on nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib. Festa won’t need surgery, and the team expects rest and therapy to have him ready for Spring Training next year.

Maintaining Momentum Despite Adversity

The Twins remain hopeful, even with these late-season injuries. Keaschall’s knack for contact hitting and baserunning brings energy to the lineup.

If Festa gets healthy before next season, the rotation could get a real boost. The Twins are looking for any edge they can get on both sides of the ball heading into 2025.

Looking Ahead to 2025

For Keaschall, this offseason is about healing up and getting ready. He’s already dealt with a broken forearm, elbow surgery, and now a thumb injury.

Most players would struggle to push through all that, but his stats and adaptability show he’s got something special. If the Twins want to try him at different spots, his outfield and first base experience could make him even more valuable.

Key Takeaways

• Luke Keaschall will miss the final five games because of a left thumb injury. He’ll probably need surgery.
• Even though he missed a chunk of the season, he still hit .302 with a .382 OBP in 49 games.
• The Twins might move him to a different position to help keep him healthy.
• Pitcher David Festa will try Botox injections for thoracic outlet syndrome.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Luke Keaschall to miss rest of MN Twins’ season with thumb injury