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The Minnesota Twins received encouraging injury news Friday as catcher Ryan Jeffers began a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul, marking another step toward his return from a fractured left hamate bone.
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Jeffers served as the designated hitter and batted second for the Saints, giving Minnesota an opportunity to evaluate his progress before deciding when to activate him from the injured list.
The 29-year-old suffered the injury on May 18 after his bat broke against the Houston Astros and later underwent surgery.
He has gradually resumed baseball activities and now appears to be nearing a return.
Ryan Jeffers is starting a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul.
He’ll be in the Saints’ lineup at designated hitter tonight, about six weeks after surgery on a fractured left hamate bone.
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) July 3, 2026
Before landing on the injured list, Jeffers was enjoying one of the best offensive stretches of his career.
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In 37 games, he hit .295 with a .408 on-base percentage, a .541 slugging percentage, a .949 OPS, seven home runs and 26 RBIs.
Drafted by Minnesota in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft, Jeffers made his major league debut in 2020.
He has spent his entire career with the organization.
His return also comes at an important time for the Twins.
Jeffers is considered one of the club’s top trade candidates ahead of the deadline because he is playing on a one-year, $6.7 million contract and is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2026 season.
Minnesota entered Friday with a 42-46 record and sat third in the American League Central, leaving the front office with difficult decisions as the trade deadline approaches.
A healthy Jeffers would strengthen the lineup if the Twins remain in contention while also increasing his value if the club chooses to move him before the end of July.
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This story was originally published July 3, 2026 at 1:39 PM.