Twins place Joey Gallo on 10-day IL with hamstring strain

The Twins have placed Joey Gallo on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to June 2) due to a left hamstring strain. Outfielder Kyle Garlick was called up from Triple-A to take Gallo’s spot on the active roster, with the Athletic’s Dan Hayes noting that the Twins’ upcoming schedule seemed to factor into the decision to take the righty-swinging Garlick over the left-handed hitting Matt Wallner — Minnesota is facing several left-handed pitchers in the coming days.

Gallo’s own left-handed bat has been revived in the Twin Cities this season, as his .188/.321/.478 slash line translates to a 121 wRC+. Despite the low batting average, Gallo is providing a lot of pop, with 11 homers over 165 plate appearances. 

The bulk of Gallo’s playing time has come at first base, but he has also seen a lot of action in left field and some work in the other outfield spots. After a tough 2022 campaign, this season has represented something of a return to form for Gallo, which could pay off nicely when he re-enters the free agent market this winter.

Unfortunately, this is the second time injuries have stalled Gallo’s bounce-back season. He spent a minimal 10-day stint on the IL in April due to a minor intercostal strain, and he’ll now be sidelined again in order to heal up this nagging hamstring issue. 

Gallo first hurt his hamstring almost two weeks ago and has been trying to play through the discomfort, with the Twins also giving him a couple of off-days and using him as a designated hitter. 

An IL trip was deemed necessary for Gallo to get fully fit, and since Gallo was somewhat able to play with the strain, he again might not be out of action for too long.