The Minnesota Twins have finalized their opening day roster, featuring a notable return for right-hander Randy Dobnak, who takes on a long relief role after a four-year gap. Dobnak was added to the 40-man roster following the return of Rule 5 draft pick Eiberson Castellano to the Philadelphia Phillies. Key injuries to relievers Brock Stewart and Michael Tonkin have provided Dobnak's opportunity. Alongside Dobnak, the Twins added Mickey Gasper and Dashawn Keirsey Jr., both earning their first opening day roster spots due to injuries to Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee.

Dobnak, whose journey from an undrafted player to a major leaguer is noteworthy, is set to make $3 million during the last guaranteed year of his contract. His return marks a significant milestone after he spent the last two years in Triple-A, having faced challenges due to injuries. The Twins' bullpen will include Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and other key arms, with Pablo López pitching against the St. Louis Cardinals in their season opener.

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.

As spring training approaches its conclusion, the Minnesota Twins have several players on the roster bubble, making their performances critical. Pitcher Eiberson Castellano, a Rule 5 draft pick, faces pressure to maintain his spot on the major league roster due to command struggles, while injuries to relievers present an opportunity for him. Second baseman Edouard Julien has showcased his ability to hit fastballs but must improve defensively to secure a place on the team. Outfielder Austin Martin has improved his defensive play and demonstrated speed on the bases. Lastly, left-handed pitcher Kody Funderburk must find consistency to earn a bullpen role.

The Minnesota Twins' spring training has revealed a surprising standout in the pitching department: Cory Lewis, whose unique knuckleball has caught the attention of teammates and catchers alike. This pitch is not just any ordinary knuckleball; it’s thrown at a remarkable velocity of around 85 mph, differing from the traditional floating knuckleballs that are slower and much easier to predict. Catchers have shared their experiences, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of Lewis's delivery. They recount stories of close calls on missed catches and the challenge it presents both for them and opposing hitters.

Lewis, who was named the Twins' minor league pitcher of the year in 2023, showcased his knuckleball during his Grapefruit League debut against the Detroit Tigers, where it resulted in several whiffs from batters. The pitch's erratic movement forces catchers like Jair Camargo to improvise, as the PitchCom device lacked the ability to communicate knuckleball calls, leading to creative solutions during live pitching. Whether this unique pitch will earn Lewis a spot on the major league roster remains to be seen as he is expected to begin the season at Class AAA St. Paul.