Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey revealed Saturday that DeSclafani will be out for the season after undergoing flexor tendon surgery on his right elbow, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The silver lining is that DeSclafani did not undergo Tommy John surgery, but the right-hander will be sidelined for the season. DeSclafani experienced right elbow soreness at the beginning of March, and while he was able to throw some bullpen sessions and a minor-league game, he will ultimately not play in 2024. Louie Varland is now cemented as the Twins' fifth starting pitcher.

The Twins placed DeSclafani (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

After being acquired from the Mariners in January, DeSclafani was expected to open the season as a back-end starter for the Twins, but he was diagnosed with a right elbow strain following an appearance in a minor-league spring training game in mid-March and will be headed for an extended absence. The Twins haven't offered up a firm timeline for his return, but after landing on the 60-day IL, DeSclafani will be sidelined for at least two months.

Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said DeSclafani will open the season on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

According to Helfand, Falvey adds that DeSclafani will have his injury assessed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister, after which the Twins should have a better idea on a treatment plan for the right-hander. DeSclafani had entered spring training as a frontrunner for a back-end spot in the Minnesota rotation, but he didn't make any Cactus League appearances while the Twins eased him back after his 2023 campaign was cut short by a right elbow flexor strain. DeSclafani was able to cover 1.2 innings in a minor-league spring training game over the weekend, but his forearm apparently didn't respond well. Though DeSclafani will be eligible to return from the IL around the middle of April, given the nature of his injury and his history of arm trouble, it wouldn't be surprising if he required a long-term absence, regardless of whether or not Meister recommends surgery. Louie Varland now looks to be the leading candidate to open the season as Minnesota's No. 5 starter.

DeSclafani (elbow) threw 1.2 innings in a Triple-A spring training game Saturday with three strikeouts and two walks, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

DeSclafani hasn't appeared in a major league spring training game, but that could come in the next week. DeSclafani has made nice progress since feeling soreness in his right elbow at the beginning of the month, but it's not certain he'll be ready for Opening Day despite this progress. His primary competition for the fifth spot in the rotation, Louie Varland, has thrown 11 scoreless innings with an 11:1 K:BB this spring.

DeSclafani (elbow) got through another bullpen session without issue Thursday and his next step is to pitch in a minor-league game, Nick Nelson of Twins Daily reports.

EDGE Analysis

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli wasn't sure which day the minor-league appearance would take place, but it's imminent. DeSclafani has made nice progress since feeling soreness in his right elbow at the beginning of the month, but his availability for Opening Day remains very much in question. His primary competition for the fifth spot in the rotation, Louie Varland, has spun 11 scoreless innings with an 11:1 K:BB this spring.

DeSclafani (elbow) felt good after a 35-pitch bullpen session Friday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander has been slowed by right elbow soreness early in spring training, but he's building up his workload and could soon be facing live hitters. DeSclafani will meet with the training staff Saturday to dictate the next steps for his return.

DeSclafani (elbow) threw another bullpen session Monday as he ramps back up following a brief shutdown period, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

DeSclafani experienced soreness in his right elbow following his second live batting practice session of the spring. However, he was cleared for a bullpen session this past Friday and threw off a mound again Monday. The setback was worrisome given that DeSclafani is coming back from a flexor strain, but the Twins maintain confidence he can be ready for Opening Day. Working in the team's and the pitcher's favor is multiple early season off days, which would allow DeSclafani about five weeks to ramp back up, if that's the route the Twins want to take. If healthy, the righty looks to have a leg up over Louie Varland for the fifth spot in Minnesota's rotation.

DeSclafani has been slowed in Twins' camp by right elbow soreness, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

DeSclafani felt some soreness following his second live batting practice session. While he's resumed long toss and hopes to return to a mound in a few days, the setback is a troubling development given that he missed much of the 2023 campaign with a flexor issue. For what it's worth, trainer Nick Paparesta said Friday that DeSclafani still has time to be ready for Opening Day. The righty is competing with Louie Varland for the fifth spot in the rotation.

DeSclafani (elbow) is considered fully healthy at the start of spring training, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

DeSclafani was limited to 19 starts in 2023 due to a right flexor strain but told reporters Wednesday that he's been throwing for months. The veteran right-hander was acquired via trade last month and is competing to be the Twins' fifth starter.

DeSclafani (elbow), Justin Topa, Gabriel Gonzalez and Darren Bowen were traded from the Mariners to the Twins on Monday in exchange for Jorge Polanco, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

DeSclafani's tenure in Seattle didn't last long, as the right-hander was dealt to the Mariners earlier in the month alongside Mitch Haniger in exchange for Robbie Ray. DeSclafani was limited to 19 starts in 2023 due to a right flexor strain, and while the hope is that he'll be ready for Opening Day, he's yet to get the all clear. Once healthy, he'll provide a veteran presence near the back end of Minnesota's starting rotation.