Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Mick Abel, Minnesota Twins right-hander, suffered a setback in his recovery from right elbow inflammation on the 15-day IL since April 20. After throwing a simulated bullpen on Saturday, Abel experienced tricep soreness and received a cortisone injection. The Twins will re-evaluate him on Tuesday with no clear return timeline. Abel had been showing promise with back-to-back strong outings (6 shutout innings vs Detroit, 7 scoreless innings vs Boston) before the setback, making this injury particularly frustrating for the struggling 16-21 club.
Strengths
- + Recently showed strong performance with back-to-back quality starts
- + Had resumed playing catch with encouraging signs
- + 24 years old with potential upside
- + Was trending well before setback
- + Twins invested significantly in acquiring him from Philadelphia
Weaknesses
- - Right elbow inflammation requiring 15-day IL placement
- - Tricep soreness after simulated bullpen session
- - Required cortisone injection
- - No clear return timeline established
- - Multiple steps needed before return (throwing, building timeline)
- - Setback occurred during recovery progression
- - Timing is poor as he was finding his groove
Injury Status: IL-15
About
Warming Bernabel is a first baseman for the Washington Nationals.
Player Overview
1B
Washington Nationals