Twins place struggling ace on IL

The Twins have placed struggling starter Kenta Maeda on the 15-day IL with a right triceps strain and recalled right hander Bailey Ober to start Saturday’s game, the team announced.

It’s been a difficult return from Tommy John surgery for Maeda, who’s struggled to a 9.00 ERA in his first four starts, but it’s already been reported that this injury is not related to the surgery. Given the soreness Maeda has been experiencing to start the season, it’s difficult to know quite how much stock to put in Maeda’s woes to begin the year. But the Twins will be hoping some time out will be enough to get him back healthy.

In his absence, they’ll turn to towering right hander Ober. He’s already made one start for the Twins this season, giving up a single earned run in 5 2/3 innings. Since making his debut for Minnesota, Ober’s compiled a 3.74 ERA in 32 starts, with quality strikeout (24.1%) and walk (5.3%) rates. He also has a 2.55 ERA in four starts at Triple-A this season.