Overlooked Minnesota Twins Prospect Called Up for His Big League Shot

The Minnesota Twins are calling up three players on Sunday. This, in response to MLB rosters expancing to 28, and Manuel Margot going on the injured list. As previously reported , top prospect Brooks Lee is one of those three additions.

The other two — 30-year-old MLB veteran relief pitcher Diego Castillo and 28-year-old utility man , Michael Helman — are two less ballyhooed names that will be on the Twins active roster today, when they finish their home series vs the Toronto Blue Jays.

Michael Helman will make his MLB debut with Minnesota Twins

Michael Helman is one of the other names. He is set to make his MLB debut. Currently the 34th prospect in the Minnesota Twins system, according to Aaron Gleeman’s (The Athletic) most recent rankings , Helman is an under-the-radar choice. No doubt he’s earned it, though.

In 240 at-bats with the St. Paul Saints this season, Helman is hitting .283 with an .875 OPS. He’s blasted 13 homers and driven in 43 RBI. And don’t forget about his 45 runs scored and 10 stolen bases. Michael Helman is a classic do-it-all type baseball player, and that includes his defensive capabilities.

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The 2018 11th round pick out of Texas A&M can play anywhere, outside of catcher. This season for St. Paul, Helman logged 28 games at shortstop, 17 games in centerfield and 10 games at third base. Michael has also played second base (1 game), left field (4 games) and even DH’d (3 games). His flexibility is likely a big factor in his promotion.

Twins call up reliever Diego Castillo

Diego Castillo has pitched seven innings this season for the Twins, allowing five hits, seven walks and two earned runs, in five appearances. Castillo spent three seasons with the Seattle Mariners, prior to signing with Minnesota in 2024.

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The right-handed reliever has totaled 275 innings, in seven Big League seasons , posting a respectable 3.20 ERA and 129 ERA+. If right, Castillo would be a valuable addition to the Twins bullpen, for the September stretch run. Unfortunately, the big Dominican has struggled in St. Paul all season, posting a 4.73 ERA and 1.639 WHIP, in 32.1 innings pitched.

More must-reads:

• Why Aren’t the Minnesota Twins Calling Up Louie Varland?
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• Upgrades Incoming for Minnesota Twins Infield and Outfield