Twins' Culpepper leaves game after HBP; X-rays negative

The Associated Press• ·
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 12: Manager Derek Shelton #8 of the Minnesota Twins walks with Kaelen Culpepper #12 after he was hit by a pitch against the Cleveland Guardians during the third inning of the game at Target Field on September 12, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A run scored on the play and Culpepper was removed from the game.
Stephen Maturen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Twins shortstop Kaelen Culpepper left Saturday's game against Cleveland in the third inning after getting hit by a pitch.

A right-handed hitter, Culpepper was hit in the upper back by a 95-mph fastball from Franco Aleman.

On the ground and in pain, Culpepper, who was also hit by a pitch in Friday's loss, was tended to by trainers but got up and slowly started to make his way toward first base. However, he stopped about halfway there and was removed from the game.

X-rays were negative and Culpepper was diagnosed with a right shoulder contusion, the team said. He is considered day-to-day.

Culpepper is hitting .286 in 30 games since making his major-league debut Aug. 7.

XRedditFacebookWhatsAppEmailSMS

More Stories