Minnesota Twins Prospect Shut Down With UCL Sprain

Top prospect Austin Martin, who was traded to the Minnesota Twins as part of the Jose Berrios deal, has been diagnosed with a UCL sprain in his right elbow and has been shut down from throwing and hitting.

It's a tough break for the talented 23-year-old, who had been performing well early in Grapefruit League action. Martin was a highly regarded prospect and the former fifth overall pick in the 2020 draft.

Another injury for the Twins. Hopefully Austin Martin can return soon and build on his Arizona Fall League success

Depending on the severity, it could take a couple of weeks or a couple of months to heal#MNTwins https://t.co/vij5iZjI78

— Twins Talk (@LetsTalk_Twins) March 6, 2023

He was a highly regarded prospect entering 2021 and had a solid first professional season, slashing .270/.414/.382, but lacked power, hitting just five home runs with 35 RBIs over 93 games.

The twenty-three-year-old missed six weeks of the 2022 season with an injury and struggled upon his return, hitting just .241/.367/.315 in a repeat of the Double-A level last year. He again struggled with his power, hitting a dismal two home runs with 35 RBIs. However, he snagged 35 bases over 92 games.

It's unclear how long Martin will be sidelined, but if he requires Tommy John surgery, he'll face a significant absence.

The Twins are expected to provide more information on his status in the coming days. He's the organization's 12th-ranked prospect. Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports