Twins’ New Manager Shelton Already Dealing With Pitching Injuries

Minnesota finished 18 games behind Cleveland in the AL Central last season, and the Twins will need career years from their starters to keep pace in 2026.

Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton returns to the dugout after five/plus seasons leading the Pittsburgh Pirates. Courtesy of Donald Laible

After being hired by the Minnesota Twins in November as their 15th manager in the club’s 65-year history, new manager Derek Shelton was glad to be leading a franchise again.

“In terms of getting back in, it was the right opportunity,” Shelton told The Epoch Times on Thursday of accepting the Twins job, while watching his club take batting practice at LECOM Park. “I wanted to be back on the field. [Twins center fielder Byron Buxton] is really the only guy I know here. He’s changed since I was here before. Then, he was establishing himself as a major league player. Now, he’s a superstar.”