A challenging start for the Minnesota Twins as injuries hit key players just before the season opener. High-leverage reliever Brock Stewart will begin the season on the injured list due to a left hamstring strain, although he has expressed confidence in his recovery. Similarly, infielder Brooks Lee is sidelined with back spasms. Both players are expected to make quicker recoveries than previous injuries, which is essential for the Twins' depth.

Rule 5 selection Eiberson Castellano has also been informed he won't be on the roster, as he struggled with command this spring. His future remains uncertain as he is currently on waivers. The Twins will need to reassess their bullpen options while missing these crucial contributors, which could impact their performance early in the season.

Mickey Gasper is battling for a roster spot with the Minnesota Twins, focusing on letting his performance speak for itself rather than getting caught up in speculation. With injuries to players like Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee, the team has openings to fill. The Twins' manager Rocco Baldelli indicated that the final roster decisions will be made close to Opening Day, showcasing the competitiveness among players like Gasper and Rule 5 selection Eiberson Castellano, who must remain on the major league roster all season or be exposed to waivers.

Injuries have created opportunities for others, but Castellano's walk rate raises concerns as he competes for a position. The Twins are evaluating multiple candidates for the final roster spots, with Gasper, Edouard Julien, and DaShawn Keirsey Jr. among those in contention. As the Twins prepare for the start of the season, roster decisions will be critical in setting the tone for their 2023 campaign.

Brooks Lee, the Minnesota Twins infielder, continues to manage ongoing back issues stemming from a herniated disc, which sidelined him for over two months last year. Recently scratched from the lineup due to low back tightness, he is currently day-to-day. Manager Rocco Baldelli mentioned that it could be a muscle spasm, underscoring Lee's need for careful management of his workload and physical therapy to maintain his performance.

With Royce Lewis starting the season on the injured list, Lee's opportunities for playing time are set to increase, as he can serve multiple roles in the infield. Meanwhile, Chris Paddack showcased a strong performance in a recent game, reaching impressive velocities and striking out seven batters, demonstrating his readiness for the upcoming season.

Brooks Lee, an infielder for the Minnesota Twins, has been sidelined due to lower back tightness, which has become a familiar issue for him. The injury follows the recent loss of third baseman Royce Lewis to a strained hamstring. Manager Rocco Baldelli stated that Lee will be treated on a day-to-day basis, hinting it may only be a muscle spasm. Lee, who was drafted eighth overall by the Twins in 2022, has previously faced similar back issues, delaying his performance in the minor leagues last season.

Meanwhile, Chris Paddack showcased a stellar performance against the Boston Red Sox, striking out seven in just under five innings, contributing to a narrow 2-1 win. Paddack's fastball reached 97 mph, and his improved pitching mechanics have drawn praise from Baldelli. In bullpen news, Louie Varland is making a name for himself as a versatile option, ready to tackle various roles in high-leverage situations. His recent outings have shown a notable increase in pitch velocity, suggesting he may emerge as a key asset for the Twins this season.

With Royce Lewis sidelined due to a moderate hamstring strain, the Minnesota Twins are evaluating their options at third base for the start of the season. Manager Rocco Baldelli has highlighted Brooks Lee, Jose Miranda, and Willi Castro as the primary candidates while emphasizing the need for players to understand their roles. Miranda, who previously excelled at third base, has been a regular this spring, while Lee seeks to prove his offensive capabilities after a challenging rookie season. Castro, showing promise defensively, adds depth to the infield mix.

Miranda had a strong performance last season, making him a key asset while Lewis is out, but Lee, who is trying to secure a roster spot, must enhance his batting numbers. The Twins face a real challenge to maintain their offensive prowess without Lewis, and all eyes will be on how they configure their infield in the coming games.