Particle.news
Download on the App Store
15 ARTICLES
·
7h ago

Twins Call Up Kaelen Culpepper and He Homers in Major-League Debut

The promotion is meant to lift Minnesota’s offense during a tight playoff push following roster changes after Joe Ryan was placed on the 15-day injured list.

Feb 19, 2026; Lee County, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Kaelen Culpepper (76) poses during photo day at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images/File Photo
Image
Image
Jul 14, 2024; Ft. Worth, TX, USA; MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred takes a photo with Kaelen Culpepper after he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins with the 21st pick during the first round of the MLB Draft at Cowtown Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Overview

  • The Twins selected Culpepper’s contract and he made his debut Friday, hitting a 390-foot solo home run off Brewers starter Shane Drohan in his second plate appearance to spark an 8-6 comeback win.
  • Culpepper reached Minneapolis after a strong Triple-A season, where he hit .271/.367/.478 with 14 home runs, 46 RBIs, 17 steals and an .845 OPS in 74 games.
  • The move came the same day Minnesota put starter Joe Ryan on the 15-day injured list with a left glute strain, called up pitcher Zebby Matthews, optioned Tristan Gray to Triple-A and designated Taylor Rashi for assignment.
  • Twins officials have praised Culpepper’s defensive progress and arm strength, saying he has worked to improve at shortstop and has saved runs at Triple-A according to the club’s internal metrics.
  • The call-up reflects the Twins’ effort to blend top prospects into a roster that is pushing for the postseason, and his early impact makes him a player to watch as Minnesota manages Ryan’s recovery and its lineup needs.