Overview
- Ober says the baseballs used during his May 24 start at Fenway Park felt poorly rubbed and slick, which he says forced him to grip harder and contributed to a mild right flexor strain.
- He filed a formal complaint with the MLB Players Association and Twins manager Derek Shelton lodged a complaint with Major League Baseball after the game.
- The Twins placed Ober on the 15-day injured list with the flexor strain and expect him to miss about a month while he is shut down from throwing for 10 to 14 days.
- MLB investigated the May 24 game balls and reported they met league rubbing standards, leaving the player and the league in disagreement over cause.
- Team medical checks found no ligament damage on Ober’s MRI and the club added depth to cover innings, a development that highlights how ball preparation, cold wet conditions, and prior elbow surgery can affect pitcher health and short-term roster plans.