Scouting Report: Abdiel Layer

Summary

Mick Abel, Minnesota Twins right-hander, suffered a setback in his recovery from right elbow inflammation on May 4, 2026. After resuming throwing activities and progressing well, Abel felt soreness in his right triceps during a simulated bullpen session on Saturday and received a cortisone injection. Originally placed on the 15-day IL on April 20, Abel was showing promise with back-to-back strong outings (6 shutout innings with 6 K's vs Detroit on April 9, and 7 scoreless innings with 10 K's vs Boston) before the injury. The 24-year-old had compiled a 3.98 ERA, 2.79 FIP, 23 strikeouts, 10 walks, and 0 home runs allowed in 20.1 innings over 4 appearances (3 starts). The Twins will re-evaluate him on Tuesday with no clear return timeline established. Multiple steps remain before he can return to competition, including building arm strength and potentially a minor-league rehab assignment.